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Westholme School,温斯特霍姆学校 Wilmar Lodge,
Meins Road, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 6QU
Tel: 01254 506070 Fax: 01254 506080
Website: www.westholmeschool.com
• GIRLS, 3–18, Day, Boys 3–11 only
• Pupils 1095, Upper sixth 83
• Termly fees £1295–£1969
• GSA
• Enquiries/application to the Registrar

WHAT IT’S LIKE
Founded in 1923, the Upper School is semi-rural and single-site; its infant and junior departments are on two other sites. The well-designed and pleasant buildings stand in attractive gardens and grounds. Facilities are excellent; recent developments include an IT suite, theatre and assembly hall, new library with full multi-media and a sixth form centre. Its liberal and sound education is based on Christian principles and practice. Examination results are very good. It is strong in music, drama and art and high standards are achieved. There is a range of sports and games (many county and regional representatives) and extra-curricular activities include Young Enterprise for sixth formers and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.


SCHOOL PROFILE

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 3–18; 1095 day pupils (73 boys, 1022 girls). Senior department 11–18, 552 girls.
Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used including for sixth-form entry (GCSE at least grade B in sixth-form subjects). Non-denominational Christian foundation. 50% of senior intake from state schools (plus few into sixth form); 50% from own middle school.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Scholarships (including for sixth form) and bursaries, based on financial need and academic results, value up to 50% fees in exceptional circumstances. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras £100.

Head & staff
Principal: Mrs Lillian Croston, in post from 1988. Educated at Accrington High School and universities of Durham and Cambridge (geography, geology, maths, PGCE). Previously Deputy Headteacher at Sale Grammar School, Head of Geography at Stretford Grammar, and taught maths and geography at Gorse Park Secondary School and Bolton School Girls’ Division. Also ALCM; former Chief Examiner; Rotarian member of Lancaster University Court; school governor; occasional GSA, HMC and Ofsted School Inspector. Teaching staff (senior school): 56 full time, 14 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 39.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 101 pupils in Year 11: 91% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 7% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 57 (60 over 5 years).
A-levels: 85 in upper sixth: 73% passed in 4+ subjects; 20% in 3; 6% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 418.

University & college entrance 97% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (4% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 8% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 8% in science & engineering, 50% in humanities, arts and social sciences, 9% in law, 25% in vocational subjects eg nursing. A few typically go on to accountancy or management training or further education courses eg other A-levels.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS and A-level; in addition, AS and A-level general studies optional. 31% take science A-levels; 55% arts/humanities; 14% both. Key skills integrated into courses and activities with portfolio developed; commented on in UCAS and other references.
Vocational: Work experience offered, some abroad. IT qualifications.
Special provision: Children with physical disabilities can cope well.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges and foreign visits.
ICT: Taught as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week) and encouraged to use it in other subjects; all take GCSE IT. 110 computers for pupil use 10 hours a day, majority networked, all with access to internet and e-mail.

The arts
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12 musical groups include orchestras, strings, woodwind ensemble, flute choir, brass band, swing band, recorder consort, choirs, madrigal group, quartets. Member of National Children’s Chamber Orchestra; several county groups.
Drama & dance: Both offered as extra-curricular activities; ESB exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions; all in house/other productions. Recent production of Les Miserables. Occasional member of National Youth Theatre.
Art & design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 20 AS, 15 A-level; design, textiles and photography also offered. Some pupils accepted for art foundation courses most years.

Sport & activities
Sport: Hockey, netball, gymnastics, dance, athletics, tennis, rounders, swimming, badminton, volleyball, aerobics, health-related fitness, water ballet and water polo are compulsory at some stage. Optional: ice skating, fitness gym, golf, life saving, squash, water polo, water aerobics. AAA, ASA, CSLA awards may be taken. County/regional representatives in badminton, netball, swimming, hockey, tennis, athletics, cross-country.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Young Enterprise. Community service optional for all pupils, eg charity events/flag days, conservation work, service with the disabled and elderly. First Aid/CPR and fire safety training, SCAT. Up to 20 clubs, eg art and craft, performing arts, cookery, debating, choir, recorder, science.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn; different in the sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, head of house and year/form prefects – elected by staff and pupils. School Council.
Religion: Compulsory Christian morning assembly.
Social: Many trips abroad and exchanges. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect lunchtime detention; twilight detention for persistent offenders. Those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion after interview with parents. Good discipline promoted by strong pastoral care.
Alumnae association is run by Mrs D Bradbury, c/o the school.