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Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Typical class size 12
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, STEM, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Windermere School is a co-educational day and boarding school in England’s Lake District National Park for students aged 11 to 18. Founded in 1863, the school offers a British curriculum leading to IGCSE qualifications, followed by a choice of A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Sixth Form. The school enrols around 330 pupils and welcomes both UK and international students. Facilities include boarding houses, science laboratories, sports facilities, creative arts spaces and access to the surrounding Lake District environment. A distinctive feature of Windermere School is its Outdoor Education programme, which uses the nearby lakes, mountains and woodland areas for activities such as kayaking, climbing, hiking and expedition training. Students can also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, music, drama, volunteering and a range of sports. The combination of boarding, international education pathways and outdoor learning is a central part of the school's educational programme.
Patterdale Rd, Windermere LA23 1NW, United Kingdom
The Essentials
Windermere School - Senior and Sixth Form has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.
Location
Windermere School is on Patterdale Road in Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The location provides unrivalled access to lakes, mountains, and outdoor adventure. The nearest railway station is Windermere, and the M6 motorway is accessible via the A591.
Stages
The school is divided into Pre-School (ages 3-4), Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2), Prep (Years 3-6), Senior (Years 7-11), and Sixth Form (Years 12-13).
Type
Windermere School is an independent co-educational school offering day, weekly boarding, and full boarding options. Flexible boarding arrangements are available.
Country affiliation
Windermere School is a member of Round Square, an international network of schools that share a commitment to experiential learning, service, and adventure.
Bus service
A bus service is available for day pupils.
Fees
Fee details are available from the school on request. Scholarships and awards are offered. Contact the admissions team for the latest fee schedule.
Academics
Windermere School - Senior and Sixth Form teaches IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 11 to 18.
Curriculum
The school offers GCSEs in the Senior School. In the Sixth Form, students can choose the IB Diploma Programme, the IB Career-Related Programme, or vocational qualifications. A Pre-IB course is available for students who need preparation before starting the diploma. The school was ranked in the Top 60 for Sixth Form results in the UK by the Sunday Times.
Exam Results
The school has been named in the Sunday Times Top Ten Parent Power Survey and ranked in the Top 60 for Sixth Form results nationally.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing support and pastoral care are provided across the school. The boarding houses offer a supportive environment for residential students.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Apply online through the OpenApply admissions portal. 2. Attend an Open Day (next scheduled 24th April 2026) or arrange a visit. 3. A virtual tour is available on the website. 4. Scholarships and awards are offered. 5. The school welcomes day, weekly boarding, and full boarding students. 6. Forces families and international students are supported.
Scholarships
Scholarships and awards are available. The school also supports forces families. Details are available from the admissions team.
FAQs
What curriculum does Windermere School offer?
GCSEs in the Senior School and IB Diploma, IB Career-Related Programme, and vocational qualifications in the Sixth Form. A Pre-IB course is also available.
What age range does the school cover?
From Pre-School (age 3) through to Sixth Form (age 18), covering Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form stages.
What boarding options are available?
Full boarding, weekly boarding, and flexible boarding are available from Prep through Sixth Form.
What makes the school distinctive?
The Lake District setting enables adventure-based learning, sailing, and watersports. The school hosts the RYA British Youth Sailing Club and is a Round Square member.
How good are the Sixth Form results?
The school has been ranked in the Top 60 for Sixth Form results in the UK and named in the Sunday Times Top Ten Parent Power Survey.
Is there a bus service?
Yes, a bus service is available for day pupils.
Does the school support forces families?
Yes, the school has specific support and provisions for forces families.
Are there outdoor learning programmes?
Yes, Forest School runs in the Prep and Pre-Prep. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered. Adventure courses take advantage of the Lake District environment.
When is the next Open Day?
The next Open Day is scheduled for 24th April 2026. Virtual tours are also available on the school website.
Does the school offer summer programmes?
Yes, an International Summer School and holiday camps are available, providing adventure and learning experiences during school breaks.
