Westbourne school

Excellence is not an act, but a habit

Aristotle’s words dating back to the 4th century underpin and inspire the future-focused ethos at Westbourne today. The pursuit of excellence unites us all.

An independent, co-educational boarding and day school, located on the outskirts of Cardiff, Wales’ vibrant capital city, for pupils aged 2- 18. A distinctly British school with an exciting, innovative global outlook, we are one of the leading independent schools in the UK.

Ranked 1st in the UK in smaller school league tables over five years, named IB School of the Year 2019, and graded “excellent” in all categories by national inspectorate, Estyn, Westbourne is one of the UK’s most academically elite schools, consistently attaining exceptional academic results across all parts of the school, including UK-leading IB and GCSE results.

Locally rooted, globally connected

Westbourne has earned a reputation for excellence on a worldwide scale, as we continue to expand our schools across the globe, and thanks to our privileged links with world-leading business school, INSEAD. We strive to nurture globally-minded, well-rounded, articulate young scholars who progress to the best universities in the world – 90% Russell Group or international equivalent entry – supported by outstanding academic credentials in the IB Diploma.

In addition to regular opportunities to access our global hub for knowledge exchange and discussion, through our global network of sister schools, our Prep and Senior students are encouraged to develop attributes of the IB Learner profile, including enquiry, open-mindedness, care, risk-taking, balance, and communication.

A future-focused education

Westbourne graduates possess the skills, knowledge, confidence and character to become leaders of the future, and they go on to secure top careers in fields including medicine, law, engineering and business.

Our commitment to excellence in STEM study is at the heart of this. New government data highlights the increasing demand for STEM graduates, with the STEM job market growing at 2x the rate of other occupations. And this is seen at university level too, with admissions tutors looking for candidates with skills in STEM across a range of degree subjects.

The past few years have us transform our use of technology to empower students to gain new skills. In 2021, Westbourne was added to the high-profile EdTech50 list for innovation in technology, and in 2022 was shortlisted for ‘Best Use of Technology’ in the prestigious TES Schools Awards, as well as for the Independent School of the Year Innovation Award.

One of the first schools in the country to use artificial technology to enhance the way our pupils learn both in the classroom and at home, we are proud to be leaders in innovation, inspiring our pupils to think bigger and bolder.

A tailored approach

Whether you are viewing our student films, or walking through our door, one of the most striking features about Westbourne is our community. A happy place, we are proud to be a friendly, approachable school with a strong community spirit from Nursery through to Sixth Form.

Every pupil is treated as an individual, known by name by all staff members, and supported one-to-one to achieve their personal and academic best. Our smaller school, personalised approach ensures that students get the most out of their education, and that the curriculum is as relevant and exciting as possible, inspiring them to reach their goals. We are resolutely committed to the wellbeing of all of our students at all stages of their learning journey, ensuring that school is a happy place where they can thrive.

Our Location

One of the Top 10 places to live in the UK

Westbourne is located in Penarth, a historic seaside town on the outskirts of Cardiff, Wales’ vibrant capital city.

Known locally as “The Garden by the Sea”, Penarth was voted by The Times as one of the best places to live in 2021, and frequently tops national polls of the most desirable places to live and visit.

The close proximity of Penarth to the Wales Coastal Path and the spectacular South Wales coastline means that our students have easy access to exploring the outdoors. From Penarth’s Victorian Pier with magnificent views across the Bristol Channel, to country parks, beautiful green spaces, and a wealth of beaches on our doorstep, there is never a shortage of things to see and do.

School Life

Nurturing curiosity, daily.

Students report that life at Westbourne is busy, rewarding and happy. Our small, close-knit school community is a hive of activity, ideas and inspiration, and students are encouraged to take a leading role in events and activities across the school. If there is something you want to do, we help you do it!

With a focus on academic excellence and innovative thinking, life at Westbourne is also fun, with myriad opportunities to join new clubs, learn new skills, take part in volunteering and fundraising, spearhead new societies, and join educational trips across the UK and globally, including to our sister IB Colleges in Sydney and soon to include Singapore.

Programs

• Nursery
• Prep School
• Senior School
• Sixth Form
• Boarding