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Windermere School - Infant and Junior

United Kingdom, Windermere

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £0 - 19,800
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1863
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages French
Typical class size 12
Strengths Outdoor Education, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

Windermere School, Infant and Junior, is a co-educational day and boarding community serving the early years to Year 6. The Junior School delivers EYFS and a varied prep curriculum with specialist teaching in French, Art, Music and PE. Upper Key Stage 2 adds Drama and Computing to prepare for Senior School. Pupils perform on the Crampton Hall stage as part of Production, and participate in inter-House events including Performing Arts, debating and the Spelling Bee. Outdoor learning is central: Forest School, sailing and canoeing at Hodge Howe, climbing and orienteering on the fells, den building, and singing in caves by candlelight. The Junior School on Ambleside Road will relocate in 2025 to refurbished facilities on Senior School site; Years 3–6 will be based in Browhead with access to Crampton Hall theatre, Ceramics Studio, Science labs, ICT suite and DT. Pre-Prep has its own space in the former Head Teacher's house.

Windermere School, Patterdale Road, Windermere, The Lake District, United Kingdom, LA23 1NW

The Essentials

Windermere School - Infant and Junior has typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
Windermere School is located in Windermere, The Lake District, Cumbria, United Kingdom. The school's address is Patterdale Road, Windermere, LA23 1NW. It is served by an in‑house bus service with seven branded minibuses and a Barrow route, among others.

Stages
Infant and Junior (Pre-Prep & Prep) for ages 3 to 11; Pre-School to Year 6.

Type
Co-educational; day and boarding.

Pupil Nationality Mix
21 nationalities represented across the school.

Additional learning support
The Learning Support Department provides specialist support for a range of needs, including English as an Additional Language (EAL) with individualised programmes.

Country affiliation
United Kingdom

Religious affiliation
Christian roots

School day structure
Pre‑School starts at 8:15am and ends at 3:50pm. Registration for the Infant & Junior School is at 8:30am.

Bus service
The school has an in‑house transport team and seven branded minibuses; Travellers Choice is used for the Barrow service.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school offers prep boarding in Langdale House for pupils aged 8-16. Langdale House is a co-educational boarding house; the Houseparent and a house team supervise daily routines from morning to bedtime and are on hand throughout the day. The environment is a safe, caring extended family where boarding pupils can flourish academically, socially and personally.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is supplied via Schoolblazer, an online uniform service for both Prep and Senior Schools. Uniform lists and requirements are published in the Prep and Senior School Handbooks.

Food Options
The school provides on-site catering with a dedicated dining room. Chefs balance fresh, seasonal ingredients to support nutrition and variety, with themed days and a three-week menu rotation. Catering accommodates all food intolerances and allergies.

House System
Pupils are appointed a house on joining Windermere and take part in Inter-House competitions such as Performing Arts, debating and the Spelling Bee.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the Board of Governors, a corporate body responsible for aims and conduct, setting strategy and policies with the Head and senior staff. Committees include Education; Health, Safety and Staff Wellbeing; Finance and General Purposes; Marketing and Admissions and Development; and Nominations. The Board ensures safeguarding, child protection, finances, and compliance with legislation and Charity Commission guidance.
Fees

Annual tuition at Windermere School - Infant and Junior ranges from up to GBP 19,800 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration

- Registration fee: non-refundable one-off payment of GBP 60, payable on registration.
- Acceptance deposit (held for the duration of attendance and credited to the final bill when the pupil leaves):
- Residents in the UK (Reception – Year 6): GBP 400.
- Residents in the UK (Years 7 – 13): GBP 900. (noting this is for later-entry years).
- Residents in the EU: GBP 2,000.
- Residents outside the EU: equivalent to the first term's tuition and boarding fee.
- Acceptance deposit handling: the deposit is credited onto the pupil's final bill in July of the year of leaving and returned in September, subject to settlement of any outstanding charges. A 50% discount on the deposit applies to the second child; no deposit is required for the third child.

Tuition fees — Pre-Prep, Infant and Junior (2026/27 academic year as published)

- Pre-School (nursery): charged at GBP 8.50 per hour.

- Prep School — Reception (Infant) (per term / annual total):
- Reception: GBP 3,000 per term — annual total GBP 9,000.

- Prep School — Infant (Years 1–2) (per term / annual total):
- Years 1–2: GBP 3,000 per term — annual total GBP 9,000.

- Prep School — Junior (Years 3–4) (per term / annual total):
- Years 3–4: GBP 6,600 per term — annual total GBP 19,800.

- Prep School — Junior (Years 5–6) (per term / annual total):
- Years 5–6: GBP 7,500 per term — annual total GBP 22,500.

(There are three terms per academic year; Year 13 is billed differently—charged in two equal parts in Autumn and Spring with no Summer term charge.)

Boarding (where applicable)

- Prep boarding provision is offered by the School. For the 2026/27 published fee schedule the standard day tuition figures for Prep (Reception–Year 6) are published as above; published termly boarding supplements for senior pupils are set out in the School's 2026/27 fees document. Regular boarding of 3–5 nights per week is regarded as weekly boarding; shorter regular patterns (1–2 nights) or occasional boarding are available subject to availability and are charged pro rata or as occasional boarding rates. Specific prep boarding term supplements and flexible boarding prices are available from the School's published fees materials.

Optional extras and per-term additional charges

- English as an Additional Language (EAL): GBP 335 per term (one hour/week, average 10 lessons per term). This provision is VAT exempt.
- Additional intensive learning support (as required by teacher assessment, up to 2 hours/week): GBP 650 per term.
- IELTS course (Summer and Autumn terms only): GBP 470 per term.
- Individual music lessons (payable in advance; subject to VAT): GBP 225 per term.
- Private 1:1 academic tuition: GBP 47.50 per lesson.
- Individual 1:1 support outside class: GBP 450 per term (average one lesson per week).
- Senior in-class shared support and dedicated in-class support (examples noted in the schedule) — see published fee list for relevant year-group charges.
- Airport transport to/from Manchester or Liverpool: GBP 50 per journey (VAT exempt).
- Weekend activities, trips and some off-site sessions: many activities are included in termly fees; additional charges for particular activities, trips or transport above GBP 20 will be billed separately and notified. Examination entry fees are charged separately (typical examples quoted: GCSE ~ GBP 500 and IB ~ GBP 600).

Sibling discounts and concessions

- Sibling discounts apply where multiple children from the same family attend simultaneously: the third child receives a 25% reduction and subsequent children receive a 50% reduction on fees as published. Acceptance deposit discounts are separate (50% deposit for second child; no deposit for third child).

Billing schedule, payment terms and notice periods

- Billing schedule: fees are billed termly in advance and are due before the first day of each term. Termly fees cover curriculum tuition, meals (including lunch for day pupils) and participation in most school-run activities, unless otherwise stated.
- Monthly payment option: a monthly payment scheme is available for parents with UK bank accounts. Parents may also deposit fees in advance for a discount. Payment arrangements and set-up are handled by the School finance office.
- Notice and refunds on leaving: one full term's written notice to the Head is required if withdrawing a pupil or to cancel private lessons. If proper notice is not given, one term's fees in lieu of notice will be payable. Acceptance deposits are credited to the final bill in July of the leaving year and refunded in September, subject to settlement of outstanding charges. Refund processing is undertaken after any final charges are clear.

Other regular costs and where to obtain uniform

- Uniform: official school uniform and sportswear are supplied via the Schoolblazer online service for both Prep and Senior Schools; pricing depends on items ordered from that supplier. Prep and Senior uniform lists and requirements are set out in the School's parent information materials.
- After-school clubs and watersports/sports tuition: many extracurricular clubs are free; some activities are charged and rates vary by activity — these charges are normally applied per half term or term. Examples of chargeable activities include sponsored external providers (e.g., RYA sailing, climbing, etc.).

Refunds and charge handling

- Registration fee: non-refundable (GBP 60).
- Acceptance deposits: refundable as described above once final account is settled and any outstanding charges are cleared; refunds are typically processed after leaving when no further charges are outstanding.
- Cancellations and notice: failing to deliver the required one term's written notice will incur a charge equal to one term's fees in lieu of notice.

Accepted payment arrangements and contacts

- Accepted arrangements include termly payment in advance (fees due before the first day of term), a monthly payment scheme for UK bank accounts, and advance payment of fees for a possible discount. Specific payment methods accepted (bank transfer, direct debit setups, card acceptance) and instruction details are handled by the School finance office; contact details for the finance office are provided in the School's published fee documentation.

Bursaries and scholarships

- Bursary scheme: the School accepts bursary applications and uses an independent assessor (Bursary Administration Ltd) for means assessment; an initial assessment fee of GBP 40 payable to the assessing body is applied for prospective parents. Scholarship awards are available for eligible pupils in line with published scholarship programmes.
Academics

Windermere School - Infant and Junior teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The Junior School offers a varied, enriched Prep School curriculum with specialist teaching from the early years, including French, Art, Music and PE. In Upper Key Stage 2, pupils experience further specialist teaching in Drama and Computing as they prepare for Senior School. They use the stage in Crampton Hall to practise and perform their annual Production. Forest School and Adventure programmes foster this belief, with sailing and canoeing at Hodge Howe, climbing and orienteering on the fells, and den building in the grounds. Outdoor learning includes singing in caves by candlelight, and pupils take part in inter-house competitions such as Performing Arts, debating and the Spelling Bee. Moving Up To Senior School occurs at the end of Year 6 to ensure a smooth transition.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Life Skills Education is delivered across EYFS to Key Stage 2 as part of the Life Skills programme, organized around Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World. The programme develops self-confidence, resilience and social-emotional skills within a caring community, with pastoral care in place.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
There is a Pupil Support team and Learning Support; inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice ensure every child is included and supported.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
French and Spanish are taught as foreign languages; Key Stage 3 covers French and Spanish.

Mental Wellbeing
Life Skills Education covers Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World, and helps pupils manage physical and emotional changes while developing self-regulation and personal responsibility.

Safeguarding
EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements include a Key Worker for each child; the school emphasises inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice to support every pupil.
Parent Experience

History
Windermere School began as St Anne's School in Lytham, St Anne's, in 1863. It moved to Windermere in 1924, becoming St Anne's School, Windermere. In 1990 the name was changed to Windermere St Anne's, and in 2010 it became Windermere School. The school now operates on two campuses, Browhead and Hodge Howe; Elleray Campus was the former infant and junior site housing its early departments. The Board of Governors is a corporate body and the school is compliant with the guidance of the Charity Commission.

Community
Windermere School describes a warm, vibrant, and kind community where families are welcome. The school notes a strong sense of community across its Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior sections. The Friends of Windermere School is a group of active parents who help sustain this community, meeting termly and organizing events to create a friendly, welcoming social environment for parents, students and staff. The Friends also contribute funding for projects outside the school budget, with funding decisions made at termly meetings after approval by the Headmaster.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Friends of Windermere School is the Parents' Association. The Friends meet termly and comprise a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and representatives from the school, with a year-group form coordinator for each year. Anyone is welcome to join. The events and social activities organized by The Friends create a friendly and welcoming social community for the benefit of parents, students and staff, highlighting the family atmosphere of the school. Funding is provided for projects that would normally fall outside the School's budget and which enhance the educational and recreational experience across year groups; the distribution of funds is decided at termly event meetings after approval by the Headmaster.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Relocation to the Senior School site is planned for 2025, with the Junior School campus on Ambleside Road moving into refurbished facilities on the Senior School site. Pre-Prep (Pre-School to Year 2) will have its own home in the former Head Teacher's house, with a ground-floor space for Pre-School and Reception and a first-floor for Years 1–2 and outdoor space. Years 3–6 will be housed in the heart of Browhead, with dedicated spaces including an Art Room, Music Room, Wellbeing Centre, Learning Support and locker rooms; Year 6 will retain a common room. Pupils have age-appropriate access to Senior School facilities including Crampton Hall theatre, Ceramics Studio, Sports Hall, Science laboratories, ICT suite, Pi Lab and Astroturf. DT has relocated to continue specialist provision. Forest School remains an integral part of the Prep curriculum.

Sports Facilities
Astroturf is available for outdoor sport. The Senior School has a Sports Hall and Science laboratories for PE and related activities. There are tennis courts and a ball court used for sport and recreation. The Browhead Campus provides dedicated play areas around the Pre-Prep building, a front lawn, grassed and wooded areas for outdoor activity, and access to woodlands for outdoor learning. Forest School takes place in the extensive wooded grounds.

Academic Facilities
Art Room and Music Room are provided within the prep area. Wellbeing Centre and Learning Support are located within the refurbished space. Locker rooms are available for pupil use. Pupils have access to Senior School facilities including Crampton Hall theatre, Ceramics Studio, Sports Hall, Science laboratories, ICT suite and Pi Lab. Design Technology (DT) has relocated to support specialist provision.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Forest School is an integral part of the Prep curriculum. Adventure programmes foster this belief, including sailing and canoeing at Hodge Howe, climbing and orienteering on the fells, and den building in our large, explorative school grounds. Emphasis on Performing Arts and inter-house activities includes opportunities to practise on the stage in Crampton Hall and to participate in productions, debating and the Spelling Bee. Outdoor learning extends to sailing and other adventure activities as part of the school's programme.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has specialist teaching from early years in French, Art and Music as well as PE. Pupils participate in inter-House competitions such as Performing Arts, debating and the Spelling Bee. The annual Production uses the Crampton Hall stage for drama and creative arts. Forest School and Adventure programmes, including sailing and canoeing at Hodge Howe, climbing and orienteering on the fells and den-building, develop practical thinking and teamwork.

Arts & Creative
The school has art and craft and music as part of the extracurricular programme. Drama opportunities include performances on the Crampton Hall stage during annual productions. The Prep Extracurricular Activities programme provides a broad range of arts and crafts and music clubs, with additional options such as Ballet, Modern, Tap and Street Dance available at extra cost.

Cultural & Language
From early years, pupils have specialist teaching in French. The curriculum also includes specialist teaching in Art, Music and PE.

Social & Hobbies
The school has Inter-House competitions, including Performing Arts, debating and the Spelling Bee. There is a wide range of after-school clubs and activities to support social interaction and personal interests. Pupils can participate in clubs to socialise and collaborate with peers.

Leadership & Professional
The school has a house system; pupils join a house on entry and take part in Inter-House competitions, fostering collaboration and leadership. The Adventure programme and other activities promote personal development and leadership skills. Participation in clubs also provides opportunities to lead small groups and projects.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor learning is central, with Forest School and Adventure programmes. The school has sailing and canoeing at Hodge Howe, climbing and orienteering on the fells, and den-building in the grounds. Singing in the caves by candlelight is part of the outdoor and cultural experience that supports wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. French is taught from Reception to Year 13; Spanish is introduced in Year 7 and continued through GCSE, with an option to study both in Year 9. English as an Additional Language is provided across key stages; self-taught languages at IGCSE (usually Chinese and Polish) are offered with EAL support. The IB language program offers more than 50 languages, with English as the language of instruction; options include English, French, Spanish, Italian or German Ab Initio or English or Self-taught from Studies in Language and Literature; a Bilingual Diploma or Bilingual Career-related Programme is available for suitably proficient pupils.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the medium of instruction. French is taught from Reception through Year 13, and Spanish is introduced in Year 7; both languages continue to GCSE with an option to study both into Year 9. English as a first language is taught; English as an additional language is provided across key stages. The IB offers a Bilingual Diploma or Bilingual Career-related Programme for pupils proficient in more than two languages.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquiry and initial information: Submit an enquiry via the OpenApply portal on the Windermere School site. After submission, the admissions team will guide you through the next steps, which include a formal application, providing recent school reports, and arranging a visit. A prospectus can also be downloaded to learn more about Pre-Prep and Prep options. 2. Entry requirements: UK students typically have an interview with the Head and a review of current school reports. International students usually sit an online CAT4 assessment followed by a virtual interview, with English language proficiency assessed to ensure curriculum access. 3. Timing and readiness: Applications are accepted throughout the year (subject to space). For key entry points such as Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12, it is recommended to apply at least one year in advance; scholarship assessment days are usually held in Autumn and Spring terms. 4. Scholarships and bursaries: Scholarships are offered in Academic, Sport, Drama, Music, and Sailing, and require a portfolio or a practical assessment. There is financial support for Forces Families and means-tested bursaries are available; bursaries are reviewed by BAL (Bursary Administration Ltd) with an initial BAL review fee of £40 and periodic reassessment every 1–2 years. 5. Prospectus and further steps: A prospectus can be downloaded to help families understand the Pre-Prep and Prep provision, and admissions enquiries can be submitted via the Enquire Now link to connect with the admissions team.

Scholarships
The school offers scholarships in Academic, Sport, Drama, Music and Sailing. Scholarship applicants must submit a portfolio or attend a practical assessment. The school provides means-tested bursaries and financial support for Forces Families. Bursaries are reviewed by an independent body (Bursary Administration Ltd) with an initial £40 review fee and will be reassessed every 1–2 years.
School Events
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