St Swithun’s School, located in Winchester, is a vibrant and engaging environment for young girls aged three to eleven. The school is known for its dynamic approach to education, where academic rigour is balanced with a wide array of extra-curricular activities. Entry into the preschool or reception is determined by the date of registration, while places further up the school are allocated based on a taster day and cognitive ability test. The school is nearing capacity, and it prioritises admitting pupils who will thrive in its academically challenging environment.
The majority of students progress to the senior school at age 11, although this is not guaranteed. The school takes its responsibility seriously in advising parents if it feels the senior school may not be the right fit for their child. Some students move on to other prestigious schools such as Kings’ School, Winchester, Twyford Prep, and Wycombe Abbey.
St Swithun’s is a lively school where girls are encouraged to explore a variety of interests. During a visit, one might encounter students engaged in activities ranging from choreographed pom-pom routines to programming robots and even participating in a mock crime investigation. The school fosters a love for learning, and while academic progress is taken seriously, the girls seem blissfully unaware of the pressure, focusing instead on the joy of discovery.
Class sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 18 students, and 16 at key stage one, ensuring personalised attention. The teaching staff are praised for their ability to balance calmness and focus, creating an environment where students can cover a substantial amount of material. Parents express confidence in the school’s high standards, which prepare students for successful transitions to senior schools. The curriculum includes Latin for all students, enriched by the ‘World of Languages, Languages of the World’ programme, which enhances language learning.
Both the junior and senior schools are part of the High Performance Learning World Class Schools network, which believes in the potential of every student to succeed. This philosophy is integrated into daily learning, with students being made aware of how skills like creativity and meta-cognition can enhance their education. The support infrastructure is robust, with discreet assistance available for those who need it, particularly for students with learning differences such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.
The school offers a rich array of sports and music opportunities. Weekly swimming lessons, tennis courts, and extensive playing fields support physical development, while the school’s approach to sports has shifted from a highly competitive focus to one that builds confidence and ensures participation for all. Music is also a significant part of school life, with around 100 students learning an instrument and numerous performance opportunities available.
The facilities at St Swithun’s are modern and inviting, with purpose-built, wheelchair-accessible classrooms. The central library space is a highlight, offering a bright and open area for study and exploration. The school also places a strong emphasis on pastoral care, with a dedicated pastoral deputy head overseeing the system. Each girl belongs to a house, fostering a sense of community and support.
Families are drawn from a wide catchment area, including Southampton, Basingstoke, and Andover, often due to the appeal of the senior school. The school is committed to celebrating each girl as a unique individual, supporting her in achieving her full potential. The pastoral care system is comprehensive, with a full-time chaplain, clinical psychologist, and on-site health centre staffed by nurses, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of support.
St Swithun’s School is a caring community that values and celebrates diversity, allowing girls to explore personal and challenging issues in a supportive environment. The school aims to provide an environment where positive, intellectually curious girls can thrive, embodying values of kindness, integrity, and understated self-confidence. 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.
