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Westholme School, Blackburn

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Westholme School details

Address:

Westholme School
Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 6QU

Telephone:

01254 506070

Fax:

01254 506 080

Email:

principal@westholmeschool.com

Website:

www.westholmeschool.com

Authority:

Blackburn with Darwen

Gender of entry:

Girls

Age range:

2-17

Number of students:

1,084

Affiliation:

GSA

Gender of sixth form:

Girls

Last inspection:

November 2001. Read the full inspection report.

General information

Headteacher: Lillian Croston, appointed in 1988.

Staff: 78 (men 14, women 95).

Background: Westholme has a Protestant foundation pledged to benefit [L]pupils of any creed[R] and aims to foster confidence from an early age. Founded as a girls' school in 1923, it takes boys in its junior and infants departments to the age of 11, though they are taught separately from the age of seven. Pupils are encouraged to see themselves as independent learners, developing skills within a supportive community. The ethos of the school is forward-looking, reflected in a broad curriculum 25 subjects, plus general studies, are offered at AS- and A-level and an emphasis on modern technology, sport and work in the community. Small teaching classes are used in streamed subjects such as maths and French, while science is a particular strength. Facilities are modern and well-resourced, and include a new multi-million-pound sixth-form centre, IT suites, specialist laboratories and a theatre. The school won a Sportsmark Gold award for its commitment to physical exercise, and last year funds for a new swimming pool were raised through a sponsored cross-Channel swim. Girls have represented England in badminton, netball and hockey, while teams regularly reach national finals. School theatre productions are often spectacular. An inter-schools performing arts club is very popular and leadership is encouraged in all areas. The school aims to produce students ready for their undergraduate courses, through travel, social and managerial skills and academic prowess, and work placements are arranged across Europe and beyond.

Higher education: 92%.

Inspection: November 2001: Westholme School is a popular and successful school that fulfils its aims of advancing the welfare and academic progress of its pupils. A considerable strength is the provision for the pupils' pastoral care and personal development. As a result of good teaching in most parts of the school, from a committed staff, very good academic results are achieved at each level. All the pupils leaving the middle school at the age of 11 may obtain a place at the upper school, and they form about one half of the intake there. Those leaving the upper school at 18 are well qualified to move on to higher education.

Feeder schools: St Pius X Preparatory School; Highfield Priory School; Clevelands Preparatory School; Avondale Primary School; Mellor St Mary's C of E Primary School.

Boys' age range: 3 to 11.

Girls' age range: 3 to 18.

Percentage admitted according to academic ability: 100.

Average class size (seniors; 11-16): 26.

Average class size (sixth form): 10.

Bursary pupils: 67.

Westholme School Statistics

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