St Swithun’s School, situated within the historic city of Winchester, offers a unique educational experience for girls aged three to eleven, with a small number of boys in the preschool. This primary school, which follows a Church of England ethos, is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. The school prides itself on creating an environment where intellectually curious girls can thrive and embody values such as kindness, integrity, and understated self-confidence.
The school operates from an impressive 45-acre campus that overlooks the open countryside, providing a serene backdrop for learning. The facilities are top-notch, with excellent teaching, sporting, and recreational amenities that cater to a wide range of interests. The school offers day and weekly boarding options, ensuring flexibility for families.
Academically, St Swithun’s School has consistently delivered outstanding results. In 2022, the school celebrated exceptional GCSE outcomes with 41% of grades at 9, 66% at grades 9/8/A*, and 85% at grades 7/A and above. A-level results were equally impressive, with 75% achieving A*/A grades. These achievements are reflected in the Times 2024 Parent Power Rankings, where the school holds a commendable position.
The curriculum is designed to foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Pupils follow the High Performance Learning programme, which places St Swithun’s among an elite group of world-class schools globally. This programme emphasises that intelligence can be developed through practice, encouraging students to become more agile thinkers.
Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the school’s ethos. Each girl belongs to a house (day or boarding) and is supported by a housemistress and form tutor. The pastoral system is overseen by a dedicated pastoral deputy head, ensuring that every student feels happy, secure, and confident. The school employs a full-time chaplain and clinical psychologist, alongside an on-site health centre staffed by nurses. This comprehensive support network allows students to discuss any concerns they may have in a safe environment.
The extra-curricular programme at St Swithun’s is extensive and varied. From sports like netball and lacrosse to arts and music, there are opportunities for every student to explore their passions. The school encourages participation in activities such as Greenpower engineering projects and student-led initiatives like Cooking for Shelter. This mature approach to extra-curricular activities helps students develop leadership skills and community awareness.
Sports play a significant role in school life, with facilities including tennis courts, lacrosse pitches, athletics tracks, and a swimming pool. The school promotes inclusivity in sports participation, ensuring that all students experience the benefits of physical activity regardless of their skill level.
Boarding at St Swithun’s offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The boarding houses are modern and comfortable, providing spaces for girls to gather and socialise. While some parents note that weekends can be quieter as many boarders head home or to London, the school maintains an average occupancy rate of over 60% during weekends.
Under the leadership of Headmistress Jane Gandee since 2010, the school has become more pastorally aware while expanding its range of subjects at GCSE and A-level. Ms Gandee’s commitment to all-girls education is evident in her efforts to promote achievement in less traditional areas like STEM subjects.
The school’s ethos encourages students to find their voice on issues of inclusion and diversity. The PSHE Thrive programme supports pupil wellbeing by focusing on emotions, relationships, purpose, meaning, health, and engagement. Parents appreciate the strong opinions their daughters develop during their time at St Swithun’s.
While some parents feel that the food could be improved upon from its previous standards, regular food forums allow for feedback from both parents and pupils. Despite this minor critique, parents generally praise the school’s supportive environment and emphasis on balanced development.
St Swithun’s School continues to uphold its long-standing reputation for academic rigour while fostering an inclusive community where every girl can achieve her full potential. 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.
