Westholme School Review 2026: A Century of Accessible Excellence

In 1923, during the depths of the Great Depression, two teachers named Emily Singleton and Ivy Richmond established a small primary school in Blackburn with just three pupils and a mission: to provide quality education when local schools could not. Today, over a century later, Westholme School educates around 750 children across its entire Wilmar Lodge campus in the rural Lancashire countryside, maintaining that founding spirit of ambition without pretension.

The school occupies a distinctive position in independent education. It is neither selective nor expensive by the standards of traditional boarding schools, yet it delivers academic results that place it comfortably above average in England. In 2025, Westholme ranks 691st in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools. At A-level, the school ranks 937th in England for A*-B grades (FindMySchool ranking), reflecting solid performance across the sixth form. Most significantly, the school has built a reputation for holistic education, where academic rigour exists alongside extensive performing arts, sport, and co-curricular provision. With over 80 clubs and activities running each week, Westholme offers the breadth of opportunity typically associated with much larger independent schools, yet maintains the personal attention that independent education promises.

Since 2022, when the preparatory and senior schools unified on a single modern campus at Wilmar Lodge following the opening of a new state-of-the-art prep building, Westholme has become genuinely all-through, educating children from Reception through Upper Sixth Form without need to change schools.

Westholme School operates with a quiet confidence born of scale. At 750 students spread across ages four to eighteen, it is large enough to offer genuine subject choice at A-level (34 subjects available), sophisticated facilities, and meaningful house competitions, yet small enough that staff know individual pupils by name and parents feel their calls are actually answered.

The physical setting shapes the atmosphere profoundly. Situated on ten acres of rural Lancashire countryside, the campus occupies panoramic rolling terrain with views across the Ribble Valley. The older red-brick buildings stand testament to the school's heritage, while modern additions from the 1990s (the decade of principal Lillian Croston's tenure) created what many describe as the heart of school life: the Croston Theatre. This 550-seat professional theatre, complete with cutting-edge lighting and sound systems, became the symbolic centre of Westholme's identity when it opened in 1998. It is where drama rehearsals happen daily, where concerts draw parents from across Lancashire, where house plays and annual productions transform student performers into confident young adults.

Mr Paul Taylor assumed leadership in September 2024, bringing fourteen years of experience in the independent school sector. His previous headships included Fulneck School in West Yorkshire and Kings' School in Dubai, and he studied Politics at Durham University with a Fulbright Scholarship. His appointment marks the school's seventh principal, following Dr Richard Robson's four-year tenure (2021-2024) and the longer leadership of Lynne Horner (2013-2021).

The school's values are distilled into two simple words displayed throughout: "Work Hard" and "Be Kind." This apparent simplicity masks genuine rigour. Westholme does not pursue rankings obsessively, yet results consistently exceed local and national averages. The school does not market itself aggressively, yet applications remain strong. The school celebrates tradition, holding carol services at Blackburn Cathedral annually and maintaining house competitions across sport, music, and academics, yet also moves forward; 2022's unified campus on a single site represented significant structural change driven by educational vision rather than nostalgic tradition.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, Westholme students achieved strong GCSE outcomes across the board. The school released detailed grade data showing that 38% of entries were grades 9-7 (A*/A), compared to 54% in England. While this appears below average at face value, the FindMySchool ranking of 691st in England (top 25%) provides important context. The school ranks 4th among secondary schools in Blackburn, placing it comfortably above local alternatives. This positioning reflects the school's non-selective admissions policy; Westholme takes pupils from a wide ability range, which naturally affects aggregate statistics. Yet 38% of top grades indicates strong teaching and student engagement.

The critical metric for independent schools is consistency. Westholme's GCSE results have remained stable over five years, suggesting sustainable teaching quality rather than year-to-year variation driven by cohort composition or external factors.

A-Level Performance

Sixth Form results carry stronger weight in assessing academic quality at independent schools. In 2024, Westholme sixth formers achieved a 56% rate for grades A*-B, above the England average of 47%. Some 67% of students achieved at least grade A or above, with 26% securing at least one A* grade. A quarter of sixth formers achieved a clean sweep of all A/A* grades across their studies.

The school ranks 937th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the national typical band (middle 35-60%). This is an honest assessment: Westholme is not among the elite sixth forms achieving 70%+ A*-A grades year on year, but neither is it a struggling performer. The results reflect what the school explicitly promises: excellent teaching and personal attention for students of varying abilities, not cream-skimming of the very brightest.

The breadth of A-level offering (34 subjects) is noteworthy. Students can pursue languages including Mandarin, Classical Greek, and Russian; sciences are taught separately; and creative subjects including Drama, Music Technology, and Art are offered at full depth. This curriculum breadth enables genuine student choice rather than forcing compromises.

Westholme school's approach to teaching reflects its middle-ground positioning. The curriculum is formal and structured, following the National Curriculum through primary and GCSE years, with clear expectations for effort and behaviour. Yet within that structure, teaching seeks to develop curiosity and independent thinking rather than rote learning. Teachers are described as having strong subject expertise, with many having spent careers at the school and developed deep knowledge of how to teach their subjects effectively.

A distinctive feature is the integration of practical experience into learning. In science, students conduct experiments every week rather than occasionally; Westholme explicitly advertises this hands-on approach. In languages, the school emphasizes practical fluency alongside grammar. In creative subjects, students do not study theatre or music in isolation but perform regularly in the Croston Theatre or public concerts, gaining real-world experience of high-level production. The preparatory school emphasizes forest school provision and outdoor learning for younger pupils, building resilience and independence before formal academics become dominant.

The teaching of English, History, and languages appears particularly strong. The school is known for encouraging essay writing from an early stage and developing extended critical thinking. Visits from authors (Jessica Ennis-Hill, Konnie Huq, Cressida Cowell) enliven English lessons; history teaching includes educational trips to battlefields, museums, and archaeological sites; language lessons include exchange trips to France and cultural immersion activities.

University Destinations

60% of 2024 leavers progressed to university, with a further 13% entering apprenticeships and 10% direct employment. The school does not publish detailed Russell Group data, but from website content and alumni communications, students regularly secure places at universities including Manchester, Durham, Liverpool, and other research-intensive institutions. In medicine, a particular strength of sixth form careers guidance, 18 students secured medical school places in 2024.

Oxbridge data from the FindMySchool dataset shows limited success: four applications in the measured period yielded zero offers, reflecting realistic expectations. The school does not position itself as an Oxbridge feeder and does not concentrate resources on that narrow outcome. Instead, the award-winning careers programme (which won Independent School of the Year 2023 in the careers category) focuses on individual student aspirations, hosting a University, Apprenticeships & Careers Fair that attracted 600+ visitors and 70+ exhibitors, with representatives from Russell Group universities, apprenticeship providers including Jaguar Landrover and KPMG, and practicing professionals across medicine, law, finance, and creative fields.

Secondary School Progression

Most pupils who join at Reception or through primary remain through to Year 11 and Sixth Form. The school guarantees progression to sixth form for existing pupils who meet baseline academic requirements, avoiding the cliff-edge of external competition that characterises some independent schools. Pupils who depart at Year 11 typically move to sixth form colleges in Lancashire or occasionally to specialist schools for sport or performing arts.

Westholme school's distinctive educational model places equal importance on academic study, sport, creative arts, and personal development. The breadth of provision is striking and evidenced by the simple fact that 80+ clubs and activities run each week, with every student encouraged to engage with at least three separate pursuits.

Performing Arts: A Defining Strength

The Croston Theatre dominates both physically and symbolically. This 550-seat professional theatre, equipped with full lighting rigs (over 100 mounted lights with colour-changeable gels), professional-grade wireless microphones (8 radio plus 2 handheld), projection systems, and a 32-channel stereo sound desk, is used daily by students. It is not a luxury facility wheeled out for special events; it is embedded into teaching. Drama students from Year 7 onwards learn technical skills including stage management, set design, lighting operation, and costume construction. Music students perform in the theatre multiple times per term. Sixth formers produce their own concerts and manage technical operations, developing genuine workplace skills in a professional environment.

The annual production schedule reflects this investment. Recent productions have included Aladdin Jr. (Lower Senior), Les Miserables, Matilda Jr., and a Centenary Concert that involved performers across all three school phases. Past productions listed on school records include Beauty and the Beast, Miss Saigon, and Phantom of the Opera, indicating the scale and ambition of productions. Some productions have secured NODA (National Operatic & Dramatic Association) award recognition, with the school winning three NODA awards in 2024 for student recreations of West End musicals.

The school's performing arts focus was recognised externally; Westholme was shortlisted for Independent School of the Year 2024 and 2025 specifically for performing arts excellence, a significant achievement in a national competition.

Music provision complements drama. The school employs a Director of Music (Mr Holt) who oversees multiple ensembles including chapel choir, symphony orchestra, swing band, and jazz ensembles. A recently refurbished music department includes a brand-new recording studio, allowing students to study Music Technology up to A-level. The school choir undertakes summer performance tours to international destinations including Salzburg, New York, Monte Carlo, and Paris, giving serious musicians genuine opportunities to perform at professional standard.

Sport: Embedded and Accessible

Sports provision avoids the trap of either elite-focused or token inclusion. The school mandates participation in sport as part of the curriculum for all students, while simultaneously offering competitive pathways for those with talent or passion.

Core sports offered include football, cricket, hockey, netball, cross-country, rugby, athletics, swimming, and tennis. Facilities support this breadth: a 20-metre indoor swimming pool with separate baby pool serves younger pupils and provides warmth for winter training; a floodlit all-weather astroturf hosts hockey and football year-round; grass pitches accommodate rugby and cricket; hard courts support netball and tennis; a 400-metre grass athletics track and dedicated cross-country course enable track and field training. These facilities are supplemented by partnerships with local amenities, including the athletics track at Witton Park and cricket grounds at Cherry Tree Cricket Club, plus relationships with local professional clubs including Blackburn Rovers FC, Accrington Stanley FC, Preston Grasshoppers RFC, and Blackburn Rugby Club.

Recent sporting highlights illustrate both breadth and excellence. Individual students have been selected to represent England (equestrian), Lancashire (athletics at English School Championships level), and achieved national rankings. Yet the school does not position itself as a sports academy. The physical education curriculum focuses on health, teamwork, and enjoyment. Inter-house competitions drive participation across all abilities; sports days, swimming galas, and athletic festivals ensure every pupil represents their house and benefits from the social cohesion this creates.

STEM and Academics Beyond the Classroom

Science enrichment reflects the school's hands-on philosophy. Students in Prep 3 & 4 participate in an annual STEM Challenge featuring activities like "Make a Neuron," "Solve the Maths Puzzle Breakout Room," and "Pollution Solution." Older students access clubs including the Year 7 Science Club, Engineering Club, and Online Mathematics Club. The school emphasises that STEM is not separate from other subjects but embedded throughout the curriculum.

A feature described in school materials is the Engineering Club and references to Greenpower Society, suggesting involvement in electronics, robotics, or vehicle design projects. These clubs develop 21st-century skills in practical problem-solving that employers value.

Leadership and Personal Development

The school emphasises leadership development explicitly. Sixth Form students hold formal posts including Head Girl, Head Boy, House Officers, School Officers, Prefects, and Peer Mentors. These roles involve genuine responsibility for younger students. Sixth Form enrichment afternoons (Wednesdays) allow students to pursue additional qualifications (First Aid, English Speaking Board examinations) or community service placements, recognised as valuable by universities and employers.

The Westholme Enterprises Scheme enables sixth formers to run their own Private Limited Company, developing entrepreneurial skills in a supported environment. This scheme goes beyond typical school enterprise activities by giving students real responsibility for business planning, financial management, and sales.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme operates from Bronze through Gold level. Miss Incerti leads the programme, which proved "extremely popular" at the recent co-curricular fair, with many students scheduling their weeks around participation.

Societies and Clubs

The school's 80+ clubs span academic, creative, sporting, and social categories. Named clubs mentioned in school communications include the Debating Society, First Aid societies, and the Dissection Society (for medically-minded students), plus activity-based groups including Lego competitions and Maths leagues. House competitions throughout the year include sports days, swimming galas, music and reading competitions, ensuring participation across diverse talents.

Tuition fees for 2025-26 are £4,495 per term (£13,485 annually) for Prep (Reception to Year 6), and £5,495 per term (£16,485 annually) for Year 7, rising to £5,995 per term (£17,985 annually) for Year 8 through Year 13. These figures place Westholme in the mid-range of independent school fees in the North West. For context, traditional boarding schools charge £40,000-£50,000 annually, while some independent day schools exceed £20,000, making Westholme competitive for families seeking independent education without extreme cost.

Additional charges include lunches (£245 per term for Prep, £265 for Senior), after-school care (£8-£9 per session), and a one-time deposit of £600 upon accepting a place (of which £300 is held as security against damage or outstanding balances, and £300 is deducted from first term fees). Music and LAMDA tuition is available separately. A wide range of extracurricular activities are offered at additional cost, with prices varying by activity and payment made via the school's online payment system.

Scholarships are merit-based, available for entry at Year 7 and Year 12, and reward achievement in academics, music, sport, drama, or dance. Scholarships typically offer a 10-25% reduction in fees. Bursaries are means-tested and available at Year 7 and Year 12 entry; amounts vary case-by-case based on family income and school funds. Families seeking financial assistance should apply directly to the school.

Payment options include single annual Direct Debit, three termly payments, nine monthly payments (Sep-Nov, Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun), or twelve equal monthly payments. Fees are inclusive of VAT where applicable.

Westholme operates a non-selective admissions policy, taking pupils across the ability spectrum. Entry is possible at various points: Reception (age 4), Year 1 onwards through primary, Year 7 (age 11), Year 12 (age 16), and occasionally at other junctures. The school emphasises that timing transitions is flexible; pupils are not rigidly bound to move at age 11 or 16 if they benefit from remaining with their year group.

Entry to Prep and Senior requires an entrance assessment (£50 fee) and a visit to the school. Interviews are conducted by senior staff. Places are offered on the basis of assessed ability, aptitude, and fit with school values, with scholarships available for academic achievement, music, sport, drama, or dance. Means-tested bursaries are available, particularly at Year 7 and Year 12 entry points. The school's charitable status allows bursary allocation; amounts vary based on family financial circumstances and school funds, but the school's policy (stated in public documents) is that "any annual surplus is returned to the School to finance both improvements and bursaries so that a Westholme education remains outstanding and is as widely accessible as possible." This suggests a genuine commitment to widening access beyond fee-paying families.

Registration opens in the autumn term for September entry, typically with testing in January/February and offers in spring. The school website hosts updated information on admissions timelines and open day dates. Contact the school directly for enquiries.

Wellbeing is central to school identity. The school operates a structured pastoral system with form tutors providing daily oversight. Sixth Form students receive particular attention; the INSPIRED Sixth Form branding (replacing traditional "lower and upper sixth" nomenclature) emphasises aspiration and personal growth alongside academic study. Each sixth former receives "incomparable 1:1 support," according to school documents, reflecting personalised guidance on university applications, careers, and personal development.

The physical environment supports wellbeing. A recently developed Centennial Wellbeing Garden (funded by the Westholme Association parent group and completed in 2023 as part of the school's centenary celebrations) provides outdoor space for reflection and relaxation. The school employs counselling services and maintains explicit policies on behaviour, safety, and anti-bullying. House systems promote belonging; inter-house competitions create positive rivalry and allow every student to represent their house regardless of ability.

Chapel is held regularly, befitting the school's Christian character, with services held at Blackburn Cathedral for senior pupils and carols sung annually at the cathedral. The school welcomes families of all faiths and none, though engagement with Christian worship is part of school life.

School hours

The school day runs 8:50am to 3:20pm for pupils, with after-school care available until 6:00pm for both prep and senior school on a pay-per-session basis (£8-£9 per session).

Location

Westholme School is located on Meins Road, Pleasington, on the outskirts of Blackburn. The rural setting is both an asset (beautiful countryside views, peaceful environment) and a consideration for families planning daily travel. By car, the school is accessible from the M6 (Junction 31) via the A59 and A677, approximately 6 miles from the motorway. Blackburn railway station is 2.7 miles away, accessible by taxi. The school provides coach services from across Lancashire for families without school run capacity.

Term dates

The school operates on a traditional three-term year with half-term breaks in autumn, spring, and summer. Full term dates are published on the school calendar available on the school website.

Transport

The school coordinates coach routes from multiple locations across Lancashire, reducing the need for daily parental school run. Parking on campus is available for those driving; free parking is plentiful.

Independent school fees. At £13,485-£17,985 annually for tuition alone (plus lunches and extracurricular costs), Westholme represents a significant investment for families. While bursaries and scholarships exist, availability is limited and means-tested. Families should budget carefully and investigate financial support before committing. The fees are mid-range for independent schools but will be substantial for families prioritising state education savings.

Rural location and travel commitment. The school's countryside location is beautiful but requires dedicated transport arrangements. Families without their own transport will depend on school coach services (which are extensive but operate on fixed schedules). The school is not accessible by direct public transport, and taxi costs from Blackburn station could add significantly to boarding costs for day pupils if travelling from distance. Families in central Blackburn or other towns should clarify travel logistics.

Christian ethos. The school is designated Church of England with Christian values evident in daily practice (chapel services, Christian teaching, carol services at the cathedral). While the school welcomes families of all faiths and none, engagement with Christian activities is part of school life. Families uncomfortable with this should check whether the level of religious practice aligns with their preferences before applying.

Balance of breadth. While the school offers 34 A-level subjects and 80+ clubs, this breadth means that individual departments or clubs may be smaller than in larger independent schools or state sixth forms. The swing band or jazz ensemble, for instance, serve a smaller cohort than in specialist music schools. Families seeking elite provision in a single specialism (e.g., intensive drama training or elite rowing) may find that Westholme, with its commitment to holistic education, does not go as deep in that one area as specialist alternatives.

Non-selective but selective by cost. The non-selective admissions policy means academic ability varies, which is positive for inclusivity and reflects Westholme's values. However, the fee structure makes the school accessible primarily to families with disposable income or those receiving substantial scholarships/bursaries. The school body is likely to reflect educated professional families, not the full diversity of the Blackburn catchment. Families seeking genuine socioeconomic diversity may find the independent school sector (by definition) limiting.

Westholme School has successfully evolved from a Depression-era small school into a credible all-through independent institution that delivers above-average academic results, exceptional breadth in performing arts and sport, and a genuine holistic educational experience. The school's greatest strength is its honest positioning: it does not claim to be among the elite independent schools producing Oxbridge in quantity, nor does it position itself as a specialist performing arts or sports academy. Instead, it offers accessible independent education with strong teaching, excellent facilities, and a culture that genuinely values "Work Hard and Be Kind."

The unified campus (from September 2022) addresses the fragmentation that previously existed, allowing families to experience genuine all-through education without school changes. The Croston Theatre is a genuine asset that elevates performing arts beyond tokenism. Leadership under Mr Paul Taylor brings fresh perspective while respecting the school's heritage.

Best suited to families seeking independent education with breadth rather than specialism; who value holistic development including pastoral care, sport, and creative arts alongside academics; and who can afford mid-tier independent school fees or qualify for scholarship/bursary support. The school's non-selective admissions and stable results suggest families should expect a school that educates across the ability range rather than one that ranks among the very highest-performing, but equally a school where teaching is rigorous and student outcomes exceed local and national averages.

The main limitation is cost; at £50,000+ annually for tuition, lunches, and extras, Westholme represents a significant financial commitment. Families for whom independent education is financially marginal should carefully explore bursary opportunities before applying.