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Windermere School - Senior and Sixth Form

United Kingdom, Windermere

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Typical class size 12
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, STEM, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Windermere School is a co-educational day and boarding school in England’s Lake District National Park for students aged 11 to 18. Founded in 1863, the school offers a British curriculum leading to IGCSE qualifications, followed by a choice of A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Sixth Form. The school enrols around 330 pupils and welcomes both UK and international students. Facilities include boarding houses, science laboratories, sports facilities, creative arts spaces and access to the surrounding Lake District environment. A distinctive feature of Windermere School is its Outdoor Education programme, which uses the nearby lakes, mountains and woodland areas for activities such as kayaking, climbing, hiking and expedition training. Students can also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, music, drama, volunteering and a range of sports. The combination of boarding, international education pathways and outdoor learning is a central part of the school's educational programme.

Patterdale Rd, Windermere LA23 1NW, United Kingdom

The Essentials

Windermere School - Senior and Sixth Form has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
Windermere School is on Patterdale Road in Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The location provides unrivalled access to lakes, mountains, and outdoor adventure. The nearest railway station is Windermere, and the M6 motorway is accessible via the A591.

Stages
The school is divided into Pre-School (ages 3-4), Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2), Prep (Years 3-6), Senior (Years 7-11), and Sixth Form (Years 12-13).

Type
Windermere School is an independent co-educational school offering day, weekly boarding, and full boarding options. Flexible boarding arrangements are available.

Country affiliation
Windermere School is a member of Round Square, an international network of schools that share a commitment to experiential learning, service, and adventure.

Bus service
A bus service is available for day pupils.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is available at Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form levels. Options include full boarding, weekly boarding, and flexible arrangements. Boarding takes advantage of the Lake District setting with outdoor activities and adventure.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required. Details are available from the school.

Governance and Ownership
Windermere School is an independent school. It is a member of Round Square and has been inspected by ISI.
Fees
Fee details are available from the school on request. Scholarships and awards are offered. Contact the admissions team for the latest fee schedule.
Academics

Windermere School - Senior and Sixth Form teaches IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers GCSEs in the Senior School. In the Sixth Form, students can choose the IB Diploma Programme, the IB Career-Related Programme, or vocational qualifications. A Pre-IB course is available for students who need preparation before starting the diploma. The school was ranked in the Top 60 for Sixth Form results in the UK by the Sunday Times.

Exam Results
The school has been named in the Sunday Times Top Ten Parent Power Survey and ranked in the Top 60 for Sixth Form results nationally.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing support and pastoral care are provided across the school. The boarding houses offer a supportive environment for residential students.
Parent Experience

History
Windermere School has a long history in the Lake District. Its location has shaped its identity as a school that values adventure, outdoor learning, and sailing alongside academic achievement.

Community
The school community includes day and boarding families, forces families, and international students. The June Immersion programme, International Summer School, and holiday camps extend the community beyond term time.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Set in the Lake District, the school uses its natural surroundings as an extension of the classroom. Facilities support sailing, watersports, outdoor learning, creative arts, and traditional academic subjects.

Sports Facilities
Sailing and watersports are signature activities, with the school hosting the RYA British Youth Sailing Club. The Lake District setting provides opportunities for climbing, hiking, and other outdoor sports.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered. Drama, music, and creative arts are part of the co-curricular programme. Forest School runs in the Prep and Pre-Prep sections. Adventure courses and holiday camps are also available.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Arts & Creative
Drama, music, and creative arts are part of school life, providing students with opportunities to perform and create.

Community & Service
As a Round Square school, service and community engagement are core values. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme is popular with students.

Leadership & Professional
Adventure-based learning builds leadership, teamwork, and resilience. The outdoor programme takes full advantage of the Lake District environment.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sailing, watersports, and outdoor activities are central to school life. The RYA British Youth Sailing Club is based at the school. The Lake District setting encourages an active, healthy lifestyle.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. The IB Diploma Programme includes language study as a core requirement. An International Summer School is available.
Reputation

Awards
Sunday Times Top Ten — Named in the Sunday Times Parent Power Survey Top Ten.
Top 60 Sixth Form — Ranked in the Top 60 for Sixth Form results in the UK.

Accreditations
ISI — Inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
Round Square — Member of the international network of schools committed to experiential learning.
RYA — Home of the RYA British Youth Sailing Club.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Apply online through the OpenApply admissions portal.
2. Attend an Open Day (next scheduled 24th April 2026) or arrange a visit.
3. A virtual tour is available on the website.
4. Scholarships and awards are offered.
5. The school welcomes day, weekly boarding, and full boarding students.
6. Forces families and international students are supported.

Scholarships
Scholarships and awards are available. The school also supports forces families. Details are available from the admissions team.
School Events
The school has not added events
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