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Leweston School

United Kingdom, Sherborne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £10,755 - 44,970
Ages 0 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 601
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1891
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages French, Spanish, Latin, Italian, Mandarin
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Leweston School sits on 46 acres of Dorset parkland and is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for ages 0 to 18. It delivers a broad British curriculum with BTECs and Early Years Foundation Stage. In Years 7–8, students study English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Languages, plus Art and Design, Music, Drama, Home Economics, Computer Science, PE and PHSE. Maths is streamed and learners are taught in three groups to support collaboration; a two‑week timetable includes a Year 7–8 Curriculum Carousel with Music Technology, Equestrian Studies, Cookery, Forest School and Careers Education. GCSE years offer core subjects with up to three options; Further Mathematics is available. Sixth Form provides A Levels and BTECs with small classes and UCAS guidance. Facilities include the Art and Design Centre, Senior Science Centre, Pensabene Library and a dedicated Music School. A distinctive feature is the Leweston Chedington Riding Academy, opened in 2024 with 20 stables and a flood-lit arena.

Leweston School, Leweston, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6EN

The Essentials

Leweston School has 601 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Leweston is situated three miles outside of Sherborne, Dorset, surrounded by countryside in 46 acres of parkland. Sherborne is a historic market town with a medieval abbey and two castles. The Jurassic Coast is about half an hour away, England's first World Heritage Site, offering coastal field trips and fossil hunting. The Admissions team can coordinate visits and area information for families moving to the area.

Stages
Leweston Nursery (ages 0–4), Leweston Prep (ages 5–11), Leweston Senior (ages 11–15) and Leweston Sixth Form (ages 16–18).

Type
Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.

Additional learning support
SENCO and EAL support are provided; EAL lessons are integrated into the timetable with specialist teachers, and there are additional pastoral and language support options as part of Leweston's learning environment.

Country affiliation
United Kingdom

Religious affiliation
Catholic (Roman Catholic)

School day structure
The school day ends at 16:25, with tea and evening activities following in two sessions: 16:45–17:45 and 19:30–20:30.

Bus service
Leweston operates its own minibus transport with daily routes across Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. Buses arrive at the school at 08:15 and depart at 17:45 (Monday–Thursday) and 16:30 (Friday); trips are bookable online. The school also runs a Heathrow shuttle for international travel days.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Five boarding packages for pupils from Year 4 through to the Sixth Form: Leweston Plus, Leweston Flex, Leweston Full, Leweston World, and Leweston Sixth. Leweston offers full, weekly and flexi boarding, with a published termly fee for each package. Boarding is available from Year 4. Leweston has four boarding houses within the main school building, with boarders sharing spaces with day pupils and supported by houseparents and the pastoral team.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is provided via the Online School Shop. Uniform lists exist for Prep, Senior and Sixth Form. The School Shop is open Monday 4:00pm–5:45pm, Tuesday 8:00am–9:30am and Wednesday 4:00pm–5:45pm; queries can be emailed to schoolshop@leweston.dorset.sch.uk.

Food Options
Three nutritious meals are provided daily by Lodestone House, guided by the FUEL philosophy; menus use locally sourced ingredients and are clearly labelled for nutrition and allergies. Lunch and tea form part of a two‑course meal served in the main dining hall, with the daily menu published weekly for parents via the Parent Portal. The school is nut-free and accommodates dietary restrictions.

House System
Leweston has four boarding houses: Martha House for Girls (Years 4–8), Cecilia House for Girls (Years 9–10), Eleanor House for Girls (Year 11 and Sixth Form) and Antony House for Boys (Years 4–Sixth Form). Each house has its own character and dedicated pastoral care; houses sit within the main school building and share spaces with day pupils, meals and clubs; house meetings and informal gatherings foster cooperation and social development.

Governance and Ownership
The Governing Body leads Leweston School. The Chair of Governors is Mr Will Orr‑Ewing and the Clerk to the Governors is Miss Claire Worsley. The Governors page lists several governors with biographies, including Ian Lucas, Mark Brunel‑Cohen, Simon Greenwood, Jamie Mead and Lucy Hawks.
Fees

Annual tuition at Leweston School ranges from GBP 10,755 to GBP 44,970 for 2026/27.

Registration and deposits
- Registration fee (Prep School): GBP 100.
- Registration fee (Senior School): GBP 120.
- Deposit (UK and Europe): GBP 500 (payable after offer and must accompany the signed Parent Contract).
- Deposit (International): GBP 3,500 (payable after offer). The UK/European deposit is forfeited if the pupil does not take up the place.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are shown and charged termly in three equal instalments; bills are issued at the end of each term. Fees are payable within one month of the date of issue or by the first day of term, whichever is sooner.
- Direct debit is available and allows each term's fees to be spread across three, ten or twelve monthly instalments at no extra cost. Extras and incidental costs remain due on the first day of each term.
- A Fees in Advance (FIA) scheme is available (minimum coverage four terms; maximum fifteen terms or the pupil's remaining time at the school) with a discount applied for early payment. A 2% discount is available for annual payments made for the following academic year provided payment is made before the Autumn Term bill is issued (payments made after this will have the 2% applied to the Spring and Summer terms only).
- Payment methods accepted: BACS (bank transfer), cheque, direct debit. Flywire is available to support online payments for registration, deposits and international payments.
- Late payment: a reminder is sent after two weeks; interest of 1.5% per month is charged from that point until settled. Failure to settle by half term after the fees were due may result in the pupil not being admitted to school until the balance is cleared.

Tuition fees — termly (2026/27) and equivalent annual amounts (3 terms)
Note: fees below are presented by the school's packaged offer. Termly figures followed by annual (term x 3):

- Leweston Prep (Extended day / wrap-around care)
- Reception to Year 2: GBP 3,585 per term (GBP 10,755 per year).
- Years 3 and 4: GBP 4,550 per term (GBP 13,650 per year).
- Year 5: GBP 5,167 per term (GBP 15,501 per year).
- Year 6: GBP 6,162 per term (GBP 18,486 per year).

- Leweston Plus (day place with wrap-around care and three complimentary overnight stays per year; available from Year 7)
- Years 7–8: GBP 7,909 per term (GBP 23,727 per year).
- Years 9–11: GBP 8,475 per term (GBP 25,425 per year).
- Years 12–13: GBP 8,286 per term (GBP 24,858 per year).

- Leweston Flex (two nights per week, allocated bed and storage; available from Year 4)
- Year 4: GBP 6,173 per term (GBP 18,519 per year).
- Year 5: GBP 6,628 per term (GBP 19,884 per year).
- Year 6: GBP 7,632 per term (GBP 22,896 per year).
- Years 7–8: GBP 9,339 per term (GBP 28,017 per year).
- Years 9–11: GBP 9,900 per term (GBP 29,700 per year).
- Years 12–13: GBP 9,750 per term (GBP 29,250 per year).

- Leweston Full (seven nights available; weekend attendance family choice)
- Years 4–6: GBP 9,446 per term (GBP 28,338 per year).
- Years 7–8: GBP 11,793 per term (GBP 35,379 per year).
- Years 9–13: GBP 12,880 per term (GBP 38,640 per year).

- Leweston World (all-inclusive international boarding package — airport transfers, exeat accommodation, EAL support, exam fees and other services included)
- Years 7–8: GBP 13,628 per term (GBP 40,884 per year).
- Years 9–13: GBP 14,990 per term (GBP 44,970 per year).

- Leweston Sixth (private study bedroom in the boarding house for Years 12–13)
- Years 12–13: GBP 9,350 per term (GBP 28,050 per year). Overnight stays booked as needed at GBP 40 per night.

Boarding specifics and ad hoc overnight charges
- Ad hoc overnight stays are available to all families (available from Year 4). Published nightly rates: Standby GBP 60 per night (emergency booking within 24–48 hours); Sleepover GBP 48 per night (standard ad hoc overnight stay); Frequent Sleeper GBP 40 per night (for Flex additional nights and Sixth Form overnight stays).
- Leweston World includes start/end-of-term airport transfers and shuttle services as part of the all-inclusive fee.

Other costs and typical extras
- Instrument hire (other instruments): GBP 57 per term. One term's notice required to discontinue music tuition.
- Drama (LAMDA) and individual lessons: Solo drama lessons (45 min, up to 30 lessons/year) GBP 415 per term; shared drama lessons — Prep GBP 210 per term, Senior GBP 230 per term. One term's notice required to discontinue.
- Individual Needs (learning support) — charged termly once agreed; example bands: Band 2 GBP 223 per term, Band 3 GBP 445 per term, Band 4 GBP 889 per term; one term's notice required to discontinue.
- English as an Additional Language (EAL) — charged termly once agreed; example bands include GBP 210 per term (Band 2), GBP 420 per term (Band 3), GBP 835 per term (Band 4); ad hoc lessons charged separately. One term's notice required to discontinue. GCSE/A-level access arrangement charges also listed (e.g., GCSE access arrangements GBP 200).
- Breakfast Club: GBP 4.50 per session. Supper Club (for day pupils staying past 18:00): GBP 7.00 per session.
- School buses: operated on set routes with charges per journey; sibling discounts may apply. Airport shuttle for international boarders is included within Leweston World.
- Uniform approximate costs: Prep School full uniform set approx. GBP 400; Senior School full uniform set approx. GBP 600; Sixth Form sports kit approx. GBP 75. Uniform is available from the School Shop or ordered online; new pupils are offered a personalised fitting.

Discounts, bursaries and fee remissions
- Sibling discounts: two children attending — 5% off youngest child's fees; three children — youngest 10%, second 5%; four children — youngest 15%, second 10%, third 5%. Discounts apply from Year 1 and are not available where a bursary or other fee remission is in place.
- Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) for Forces families: Leweston operates as a 10%+ school; CEA parents pay 10% of fees in accordance with MoD regulations (the school reserves the right to amend the military fee discount to comply with CEA and MoD regulations with appropriate notice).
- Bursaries: means-tested bursary support is available and awards are typically between 10–20% of fees; awards are subject to annual review.

Refunds, notice and withdrawal terms
- A full term's written notice is required to remove a pupil from the school. Where notice is not given, a term's fees (or a half term where applicable for package changes) in lieu will be charged. Notice must be received in writing by the first day of the preceding term.
- The deposit (UK/Europe) is forfeited if the pupil does not take up the offered place.
- The Governors reserve the right to adjust fees and charges during the year if circumstances make this necessary.

Contacts for payments and queries
- Finance team contact for fee queries and direct-debit setup: fees@leweston.dorset.sch.uk; telephone +44 1963 210 691.
Academics

Leweston School teaches British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 0 to 18.

Curriculum
Leweston offers a broad, flexible curriculum designed to foster curiosity and independence. In Years 7 and 8 pupils follow a wide-ranging core that includes English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics; Humanities and Languages (History, Geography, Religious Studies, French, Spanish, Latin); and Creative & Practical subjects (Art and Design, Music, Drama, Home Economics, Computer Science, PE, PHSE). Maths is streamed and pupils are taught in three groupings (Science and Maths, Humanities, Creative and Practical) to support collaboration. Lessons last 60 minutes and run on a two-week timetable, with a Year 7–8 Curriculum Carousel that rotates through Music Technology, Equestrian Studies, Cookery, Forest School and Careers Education. The curriculum is described as rigorous yet dynamic, with subject specialists, peer mentoring and support for independent learning; English as an Additional Language and Individualised Learning are available as needed. In GCSE years (Years 10–11) pupils take core GCSEs in English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Science and Religious Studies, and may choose up to three option subjects, with Further Mathematics available for able mathematicians. In Sixth Form Leweston offers A Levels and BTECs, with small class sizes and dedicated UCAS guidance to support higher education and future pathways.

Student Teacher Ratio
Senior School class sizes are small, with average Sixth Form class sizes around eight to ten students; Year groups in the Senior School are also described as small, with classes typically 18–20 students in most subjects.

Exam Results
GCSE results are strong, with all pupils taking core GCSEs in English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Science and Religious Studies, and choosing up to three option subjects; Further Mathematics is offered for able mathematicians. Value-added performance has been high, with around 32% of GCSE grades exceeding baseline predictions. In 2026 Leweston achieved 93% of grades at 9–4 and 48% at 9–7, with thirteen subjects recording their strongest results in the past three years and notable performance in Mathematics, English Language and Literature, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; Geography achieved almost 90% of entries at 9–7. The school also highlights progress beyond the classroom, including achievements in music, drama and other activities. In Sixth Form, Leweston celebrated outstanding A Level and BTEC results for the Class of 2026, with destinations into universities and apprenticeships across a wide range of disciplines; examples include courses in Animation Production, Law, Materials Science and Engineering, Dentistry, and destinations such as Arts University Bournemouth and Kingston.

Higher Education Progression
Leweston pupils progress to a broad range of universities and careers. The International Leavers' Destinations page lists destinations including Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Edinburgh, Exeter, Kent, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Southampton, Bath, Bath Spa, Bournemouth, and many others, reflecting a wide spectrum of higher education options. The Sixth Form's results and destinations are described as strong, with pathways ranging from traditional universities to apprenticeships and specialist courses; recent Class of 2026 destinations included universities across the country and diverse courses such as Animation Production, Law, Materials Science and Engineering, Dentistry, and more.

Gifted and Talented
Leweston offers an Academic Extension programme that provides stretch and challenge beyond the standard curriculum, including the Rhetoric Group for Years 7–9, and the Head's Essay Society in Sixth Form. Students can engage in Science Olympiads, Maths Challenges, Public Speaking, Young Writers' Competitions and National Theatre Live, with Able and Ambitious Conference opportunities for selected students in Years 10 and 12. The IN Department provides targeted support for learners with additional needs, and English as an Additional Language pathways integrate language support into the curriculum, ensuring access for international and high-aspiration learners.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school places social and emotional learning at the centre of its approach. The Well‑Being Hub is staffed by two experienced nurses and hosts weekly doctor clinics on site; all pupils can access the School Counsellor via a walk‑in clinic or pre‑booked appointments. A full‑time Pastoral Lead supports resilience and emotional development and runs parent seminars on topics such as supporting an anxious teen, coping with exams and getting enough sleep. A Tutor system, Heads of Year and boarding staff monitor progress and wellbeing, enabling early identification of needs. PSHRE Curriculum provides age‑appropriate guidance on relationships, mental health, money, drugs and more, supplemented by regular specialist speakers. Prep features a Guardian Angel and Buddy programmes, while Sixth Form mentors and a School Council promote pupil voice and wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Leweston has an Individual Needs Department that provides literacy, numeracy and study‑skills support, including one‑to‑one lessons and small intervention groups. The department runs an IN Hub offering academic, social and emotional support, and uses a graduated approach with IN Profiles and individual learning plans. The school employs specialists with SEND qualifications, and early identification is central to support; it also works with external professionals such as Speech and Language therapists when required. The school's EAL team supports pupils from beginner to advanced levels, with EAL taught as part of the curriculum and additional individual or small‑group sessions available for a fee; native speakers may enter examinations without tuition.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Leweston's EAL provision uses specialist teachers to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing from beginner to advanced levels. EAL lessons form part of the curriculum as an alternative to a Modern Foreign Language, with additional one‑to‑one or small‑group sessions available for a fee; there is also the option for native speakers to be entered for examinations without tuition.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is central to daily life. The Well‑Being Hub provides medical care on site with two nurses and weekly doctor clinics, and the School Counsellor is available weekly via a walk‑in clinic or pre‑booked appointments. A Pastoral Lead supports resilience and emotional development and runs parent seminars on topics such as supporting anxious teens, coping with exams and getting enough sleep. PSHRE sessions offer age‑appropriate guidance on relationships and mental health, supplemented by specialist speakers, and the broader wellbeing framework includes regular peer support and wellbeing practices.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is integrated into Leweston's care for pupils. The school has a Safeguarding Policy and staff are trained to be vigilant to signs of abuse, with concerns discussed with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The staffing includes a Lead School Nurse/Deputy DSL, a School Nurse and a School Counsellor to support welfare, and a dedicated Pastoral Lead to oversee safeguarding‑relevant wellbeing. The IN Department policy emphasises safeguarding for pupils with individual needs and involves parents and external professionals when required.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1891 in Sherborne as St Antony's by the Religious of Christian Instruction, Leweston School began as the order's first UK establishment. The sisters ran two on-site schools, St Antony's, a boarding school, and St Joseph's, which offered free education to local children until government legislation forced its closure in the 1950s. In 1948 the senior pupils moved to Leweston Manor, an estate dating back to the Middle Ages, where the Trinity Chapel and a Palladian manor house form the core of the site. The Prep School joined the Leweston campus in 1993, and in 2007 the school was renamed Leweston School. Leweston became fully co-educational in 2018.

Community
Leweston is a Catholic boarding and day school that prepares pupils for life beyond the school. Its values—community, opportunity and expertise—underpin daily life and foster a warm, supportive environment. The school welcomes pupils of all faiths and none, building courtesy, respect and affection at the heart of prayer and service. The House system fosters belonging and cross-year relationships, supporting pupil voice and leadership opportunities across the school.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PALS, or Parents Association of Leweston School, is a group of parent volunteers who organise events throughout the year to strengthen the school community, enable parents to meet each other and socialise, and raise funds to support school projects. There is a Committee in both the Prep and Senior Schools that seeks members to support events, and interested parents can contact pals@leweston.dorset.sch.uk. Each year group has a Class Rep who serves as a conduit for parent feedback and ideas and can help new families connect; the Prep or Senior Reception can provide the Rep emails. A Parent Directory is available on the Portal to consent to sharing contact details with other parents, and it is secure and not visible outside the school community. PALS events and activities strengthen social life and involvement within the Leweston community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Leweston is set in 46 acres of Dorset parkland with shared facilities for Nursery to Senior. The Art and Design Centre houses two fine art studios, two Sixth Form studios, a pottery workshop, a creative computer suite, a dark room, a sewing room and a design studio. The Senior Science Centre houses three laboratories, a project room and a preparation room. The Pensabene Library provides a lending library and ICT facilities, and the Music School offers an ensemble room, two music classrooms, spaces for instrumental teaching and a recording studio. Sports facilities include an all-weather hockey pitch that doubles as nine tennis courts in summer, a sports hall with four badminton courts and a conditioning suite, six netball courts, six hard-surface tennis courts, a 25m heated indoor pool, a 300m grass track and a synthetic long jump. The Leweston Chedington Riding Academy opened in Autumn 2024 with 20 stables and a flood-lit arena.

Sports Facilities
Leweston's sports facilities include an all-weather hockey pitch that doubles as nine tennis courts in the summer, and a sports hall that serves as an indoor netball and hockey court with four badminton courts and a conditioning suite. There are six netball courts and six hard-surface tennis courts, a 25m heated indoor swimming pool, a 300m grass track and a synthetic long jump. The Leweston Chedington Riding Academy provides equestrian facilities with 20 stables and a flood-lit arena.

Academic Facilities
The Senior Science Centre houses three laboratories, a project room and a preparation room. The Art and Design Centre provides two fine art studios, two Sixth Form studios, a pottery workshop, a creative computer suite, a dark room, a sewing room and a design studio. The Pensabene Library functions as a lending library and ICT suite, and the Sixth Form Centre provides a modern space for study and relaxation. The Music School in the Manor House is a purpose-built facility with an ensemble room, two music classrooms, instrumental teaching spaces, GCSE and A Level music work spaces and a recording studio.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Life at Leweston includes a wide range of clubs and societies each term, with enrichment activities and visits. Prep pupils participate in trips and clubs including debate club, art academy, gardening, cookery and comic making, along with theatre visits and visits from authors and musicians. Senior pupils have an extensive after-school programme on weekdays, with a bus service for day pupils and weekend activities and trips. The school runs Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold awards and organises the Ten Tors Challenge, with residential activity centres supporting leadership and teamwork. Sixth Form enrichment includes the LEaD programme and opportunities in sport, lifeguarding, performing arts and higher education talks.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Leweston runs a broad enrichment programme that goes beyond the classroom. There are clubs and societies such as debate club and art academy, and a range of hobbies including gardening, cookery and comic making. The enrichment also includes performing arts such as ballet and LAMDA, alongside sport clubs like fencing, tennis and running.

Arts & Creative
Music and Performing Arts hold a special place in Leweston life. Pupils mentor younger students, contribute to school events, and act as ambassadors for the arts. The Sixth Form participates in the performing and creative arts programme as part of the school's enrichment.

Cultural & Language
Leweston hosts European Languages Week and supports cross-cultural engagement. There is a Nepal friendship link with Jana Jyoti Secondary School in Gandaki Province, Nepal.

Social & Hobbies
An extensive after-school programme across Prep and Senior schools offers a wide range of clubs and activities, with weekend programmes and trips enriching the timetable. The programme includes hobbies such as gardening, cookery and comic making, plus performing arts and sport.

Community & Service
The House system fosters belonging and collaboration across year groups, and pupils participate in charity work and community outreach; Leweston also maintains international linkages, including a Nepal partnership.

Leadership & Professional
Sixth Form enrichment includes the LEaD programme, developing leadership, community, opportunity and respect. Sixth Formers can train as lifeguards, complete the Ten Tors Challenge, and pursue Duke of Edinburgh Gold, alongside a broad menu of after-school and lunchtime clubs.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport is central at Leweston, with a structured programme from Reception to Sixth Form. Sixth Formers have an afternoon of sport and can choose from competitive and recreational activities. Recent activities have included cricket, sailing, yoga, zumba and badminton, and the programme supports physical, mental and emotional health.
Languages

Language Provision
Modern Foreign Languages are taught as a core provision; GCSE options commonly include French and Spanish; Latin (Classical Studies/Latin) is offered at GCSE. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available, including 1:1 lessons and Cambridge/IELTS pathways for international students. The majority of classes are taught in English alongside UK students.

Immersion Programs
Immersion Programme for international students aged 11–17 runs 2–4 weeks in Autumn, Spring or Summer terms with full integration into Leweston lessons (English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Arts) and specialist EAL support. Short Stay offers Curriculum Immersion for 3 weeks to 1.5 terms with participation in lessons alongside current Leweston pupils plus dedicated EAL support and boarding. A One-Year Pre-A Level Programme includes Cultural Immersion with full participation in boarding life and introduction to British language, culture and heritage; the timetable is 20–30 hours of lessons per week, with the majority taught in English alongside UK students.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Registration and place reservation. Families complete a Registration Form and pay a non-refundable Registration Fee. Registration reserves a place in the chosen year group and entry pathway, provided the relevant entry requirements are met and the admissions process is completed; it does not guarantee an offer. Early registration (ideally a year before entry) is encouraged as registrations are considered in the order received. 2) Waiting list. If the number of applications exceeds the places available in a year group, candidates are placed on a waiting list. 3) Entry to the Prep School. Applicants for the Prep School are informally assessed on a taster day; staff observe progress and interactions and provide feedback to parents at the end of the day; in some cases, additional taster days may be required. 4) Entry to the Senior School (Year 7 and Year 9). Pupils join Year 7 and Year 9 after completing Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) Pre-Tests; tests are online and may be sat in the Prep School or at Leweston; tests are typically sat in November of Year 6; internal candidates sit the same tests as external candidates. 5) Assessment Day and timing. After the ISEB tests, applicants are invited to an Assessment Day on a Saturday morning in January, which includes team-building activities and meetings with the Headmaster and Deputy Heads; applicants applying later may be invited to a personal Assessment Day if space allows. 6) Scholarships (Year 9 and Year 12). 11+ and 13+ scholarships are awarded following an assessment day in February preceding the entry year. 7) Other year entry points. Entry at 12+, 14+ and 15+ is subject to availability, with assessment taking place as part of a taster day. 8) Preparation for assessment. No specific preparation is required; all candidates start on an equal footing with opportunities to display academic aptitude and extra-curricular skills. 9) Sixth Form entry. External applicants for Sixth Form are invited for interview and may sit the scholarship entrance paper in Autumn; offers depend on predicted GCSE grades, typically requiring seven GCSEs at grade 5 or above, with most subjects requiring grade 6 or higher. 10) Offer and acceptance. If both applicant and school choose to proceed after assessment, a place is offered; offers are typically open for a limited time; acceptance is by completing the Acceptance Form and paying a deposit (which is returned against the final bill). 11) References and reports. The school liaises with the current school and requires a confidential Headteacher's report for entry at all stages; transferring pupils must inform their current school of plans and fulfil any financial obligations. 12) Fee assistance. A limited bursarial provision is available for senior students; bursaries are means-tested and their value relates to family income and resources; further information is available in the Bursary Policy. 13) Siblings. The school welcomes siblings of existing pupils, but admission is not automatic and normal entry procedures apply. 14) Overseas applicants. Overseas boarders may be admitted if they have a relative or guardian in the UK; applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English ability, assessed as part of the application via a UKISET test or Leweston's own tests; candidates are reassessed on starting; English as an Additional Language (EAL) tuition is compulsory unless the Director of International Students confirms otherwise; some EAL lessons are included in the standard curriculum while others carry an additional charge. 15) Headmaster's decision and Parent Contract. Admission is determined by the Headmaster and subject to the Parent Contract, with amendments possible over time.

Scholarships
Leweston offers scholarships in Academic Excellence, Art and Design, Drama, Equestrian, Music, Sport and Pentathlon. Talent Pathways are invitation-only and open to Prep 5 onwards, offering mentoring and enrichment opportunities. Special awards include the Headmaster's Award and the St Antony Award for Sixth Form entrants. Scholarship applications are invited on entry to Year 9 (13+) or Year 12 (16+); all scholarship candidates must be registered; application forms are available on the school website and must be available for the relevant assessment date. Scholarships are honorary and not means-tested; bursaries may be awarded in addition to a scholarship. For 13+ and 16+ entry, assessment includes subject papers, portfolios or presentations, auditions/interviews as appropriate, and a school reference. One scholarship is typically awarded per discipline per age group, with the possibility of a second award if exceptional candidates emerge; financial information and eligibility details are provided in the Scholarship Guidelines 2026. Academic Scholarships include fee remission (e.g., £1,500 per year for selected scholars) and require a proven academic track record; Art and Design and Drama Scholarships follow portfolio and performance assessments; additional details for other scholarships outline specific assessment formats and requirements.

Waitlist
If the number of applications exceeds the places available in a year group, candidates are placed on a waiting list.
School Events
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