Godstowe School
Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6PR
Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6PR
Pupils
428
Ages
2 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Ms Kate Bailey
Boarding / Day
Day, Weekly/Flexible Boarding and Full Boarding
Fees
£4,500 to £6,995
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
Godstowe School, located in High Wycombe, is a non-selective preparatory school for girls aged 7 to 13, with a lively pre-prep and nursery for girls and boys aged 3 to 7. The school prides itself on its first-come, first-served admission policy, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment. Families are invited for an interview and tour, and for those unable to travel, online options with gentle assessments are available. A certain level of English proficiency is required to access the curriculum, but support is readily available to help students catch up if necessary.
The school is quick to offer places and provides interim support to new students. Entry to the pre-prep, known as The Lodge, is available at age 3 for both boys and girls, with almost all girls moving up to the prep school. A third class is added for newcomers in Year 3. The main entry point for new students is Year 7, but both day and boarding pupils can join at any stage, space permitting. Scholarships are awarded for exceptional talent in academics, art, sport, music, and as all-rounders at entry to Year 7.
Godstowe School is known for its picturesque setting atop a hill, offering panoramic views over High Wycombe. The large Victorian main building, with its original features and flourishing Virginia creeper, was purpose-built in 1900 and is often claimed to have inspired Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers. The Lodge, the pre-prep section, is situated within the school’s 12 acres of land, alongside nursery and reception buildings.
The school boasts a large and light-filled reception atrium, adorned with phenomenal artwork. The grand annual art exhibition, where every child displays their work for parents and guests, creates a palpable creative buzz. The classrooms are modern and spacious, with a maximum class size of 18, currently averaging 16. Setting is introduced first in Maths from Year 3 and then in all academic subjects from Year 6. Girls stay in form rooms for most lessons in Years 3 and 4, after which they start to move around the school for individual subjects.
Two dedicated SEN staff work flexibly across all year groups, providing support for just under six per cent of students. Staff receive regular training for a range of SEN, including autism, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. EAL teachers provide specific timetabled support for international students. Girls’ needs are assessed upon entry and tailored to meet their specific requirements. Extension groups for the most able students, including a Carnegie book club, offer extra competition, stretch, and challenge.
Science is a priority at Godstowe, with separate Biology, Physics, and Chemistry lessons from Year 4. Year 8 students engage in hands-on experiments, such as making different types of salt. The school also excels in the national computing competition, Bebras, and ICT is considered an important part of the curriculum. French is taught from reception, Latin from Year 6, with Latin and Spanish as options from Year 7. The state-of-the-art food technology centre, opened in 2017, teaches girls practical cooking skills and more creative culinary projects.
While the majority of students stay until 13, about a third leave at the end of Year 6. The school does not allocate teaching time for the 11-plus, although computer programs are available for practice. The sports facilities are impressive, with a multi-million-pound sports hall, a 25m competition swimming pool, and a range of sports including netball, hockey, lacrosse, football, and cricket. The school also offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, from LAMDA and ballet to yoga, chess, and Mandarin.
Boarding is available from Year 3, with full-time boarding being 80 per cent international. Flexi-boarding is a popular option, and the school can often accommodate last-minute requests. Boarding is described as homey, nurturing, and consistent, with large common rooms and dining areas for communal eating. Weekend activities include bowling, skating, theatre, and cinema trips.
Godstowe School is a model for all-girls boarding prep education, fostering confident, courageous, and community-minded girls. The school’s traditional ethos is complemented by nurturing care, preparing happy, creative girls with excellent standards across the board.
To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
Godstowe Preparatory School is a day and boarding institution located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, catering for female pupils aged 7 to 13 years, alongside a co-educational nursery and pre-prep for children aged 3 to 7. Established in 1900, the school has maintained a strong connection with Wycombe Abbey School. The educational environment is divided into two main sections: The Lodge for nursery and pre-prep pupils, and the main school building for prep students. Boarding facilities are provided in three dedicated houses. The school operates as a registered charity, governed by a council of trustees, and has seen a change in leadership with the current Headmistress, Ms. Kate Bailey, taking office in September 2022.
The school's mission is to foster confidence, happiness, and success among its pupils, encouraging them to be engaged and active participants in their education. Godstowe aims to create a supportive atmosphere where pupils can thrive academically and socially. Most students reside within a 10-mile radius, while boarders come from various regions across the UK and internationally. The school assesses its pupils as having above-average abilities, with 30 students identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, of which 25 receive additional support. Furthermore, 27 pupils are recognized as having English as an additional language, all of whom benefit from specialized assistance.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a regulatory compliance inspection in January 2023, focusing on the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding. The inspection confirmed that Godstowe meets all required standards, with no further action needed. The school’s educational framework supports good progress among pupils, with a well-documented curriculum that encompasses a broad range of subjects and effective behavior management strategies. The teaching staff utilize suitable resources to facilitate learning, and boarders have access to a variety of extracurricular activities.
The school provides relationships education for junior pupils and relationships and sex education for senior pupils, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance. The standards related to the quality of education were found to be met, reflecting the school's commitment to delivering a comprehensive educational experience.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, Godstowe actively promotes principles and values that encourage pupils to become responsible and tolerant citizens. The school fosters an environment where boarders feel comfortable expressing their views, and their opinions are taken into account by staff. Relationships among pupils and staff are built on mutual respect and trust, contributing to a positive school culture.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized at Godstowe. The school has established effective safeguarding measures in line with current statutory guidance, promoting good behavior and preventing bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety protocols, and first aid provisions are in place. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate attendance records, demonstrating a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also implemented to ensure inclusivity.
For new boarders, an appropriate induction process is in place, addressing their medical and health care needs, as well as their dietary requirements. Boarding staff are well-trained and adequately deployed to support the needs of the pupils. The standards related to welfare, health, and safety were confirmed to be met during the inspection.
The school conducts thorough checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. Visitors to boarding accommodations are supervised appropriately, and the school's guardianship arrangements are effectively managed. The standards regarding the suitability of individuals in contact with pupils were also found to be met.
Godstowe provides suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing areas, as well as accommodations for medical and therapy needs. The premises are well-maintained, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all pupils. Adequate outdoor space is available for physical education and recreational activities, and the boarding accommodations are deemed sufficient for the needs of all boarders.
The school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, covering details about the proprietor, school ethos, curriculum, and policies regarding admissions, behavior, and health and safety. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school’s website, and a statement of boarding principles and practices is also published.
Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured three-stage process, ensuring clear timelines and appropriate record-keeping. The school maintains transparency in its complaint handling, including documentation of actions taken and outcomes.
Leadership and management at Godstowe are characterized by effective skills and knowledge, ensuring that all standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and the management of boarding is conducted in a manner that maintains required policies and records.
Overall, the inspection highlighted Godstowe Preparatory School's commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience while ensuring the welfare and safety of its pupils. The school demonstrates a strong adherence to regulatory standards, fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal development. The positive findings from the inspection reflect the school's dedication to its mission and the well-being of its students.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
The Great British Schools Guide (published by Great British Schools Guide Limited) is currently in launch mode.
We would be grateful if you could email data@greatbritishschoolsguide.com if you find any inaccuracies or would like to update your listing. Thank you.
Comparing, saving and returning to your favourite schools is just a click away