When Anna Bramston, daughter of Winchester's Dean, opened Winchester High School for Girls on 5 May 1884 with just seventeen pupils, she was answering a conviction that resonated across the Victorian educational landscape. She believed every girl deserved an education that developed her full capacity and independence of thought. Some 140 years on, that vision is said to endure at St Swithun’s — an all‑through independent day and boarding school for girls aged 4–18 — now positioned as one of England’s most accomplished all‑girls schools. Today, St Swithun's educates approximately 720 students across two campuses, prep and senior schools, on a verdant 45-acre estate overlooking Winchester's countryside, just one hour by train from central London. The school's academic results place it consistently in the top tier : at GCSE, 80% of grades achieved 9-7 (FindMySchool ranking 108th in England, top 2%); at A-level, 92% achieved A*-B grades (FindMySchool ranking 84th, top 3%). Yet numbers alone do not capture the essence of St Swithun's. This is a school animated by the Anglo-Saxon virtues carved above its front door, Caritas, Humilitas, Sinceritas (Charity, Humility, Sincerity), qualities embedded into daily practice, not merely ritual display.
The school's Anglican heritage, maintained through an unbroken connection with Winchester Cathedral, shapes a particular spiritual tone. Students sing five times yearly at the cathedral; the girls' choir participates in major cathedral services. Yet this is an inclusive Christianity, warm and embracing rather than exclusive. Headmistress Jane Gandee, now in her fourteenth year of leadership, describes the school as "appropriately academic", intellectual rigour without intensity, achievement without neurosis. Girls are expected to commit fully to their studies before accessing the expansive co-curricular landscape; form tutors monitor balance carefully. This disciplined flexibility creates an environment where serious learning coexists with genuine joy.
The 45-acre grounds themselves are a pedagogical asset. Bordered by open countryside and accessible Winchester, the campus provides psychological space that day girls and boarders alike treasure. Within the grounds stand the main senior school (opened in 1932 when Princess Mary, the Princess Royal, formally dedicated the new buildings), a bright modern prep school building completed in 2015, specialist facilities for music, drama, art, and science, and six residential boarding houses that accommodate approximately 214 full and weekly boarders. The physical landscape reflects institutional thoughtfulness: the new Jill Isaac Study Centre (opened 2021) and a refurbished library (2007) signal ongoing investment in the infrastructure of learning.
Pupil welfare appears woven into institutional DNA. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) noted in their 2024 routine inspection that leaders aim to develop confident young people who are courageous in their learning, and that this aim is evident in lessons, behaviour, and achievement as pupils transition through school. Excellent relationships between teachers and pupils characterise the experience; pupils show high levels of self-knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence, and resilience. Boarding staff, housemistresses, resident tutors, house matrons, and graduate assistants, create environments where each house develops distinct identity while maintaining cohesion across year groups and nationalities.
St Swithun's GCSE results consistently exceed national benchmarks and place the school among the country's most accomplished girls' schools. In 2024, 80% of grades achieved 9-7, compared to the England average of 54%. The school's England ranking of 108th (top 2%, FindMySchool data) reflects sustained excellence across the cohort. 58% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-8, and 22% achieved grade 7. This breadth of high attainment, not concentrated in a narrow elite, demonstrates rigorous teaching across subjects including the traditional humanities and languages, alongside STEM.
The curriculum includes rigorous separate sciences, with chemistry, biology, and physics taught as distinct subjects from Key Stage 3 onwards. Languages are compulsory through lower Key Stage 4, with French taught from Year 9 and Spanish, German, and Mandarin also available. Classics and classical civilisation feature prominently, a reflection of the school's intellectual heritage and investment in ancient languages. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is available for students wishing to pursue independent research beyond the GCSE curriculum.
A-level results demonstrate sustained academic momentum. In 2024, 92% of A-level grades achieved A*-B, with 68% achieving A*/A. This places the school's sixth form in the elite tier of boarding schools and comfortably above typical independent school averages. Half the year group earned grades AAA or above; three-quarters gained AAB or higher. The school's England ranking of 84th (top 3%, FindMySchool data) reflects consistency across subjects.
The sixth form offers 26 A-level subjects, permitting genuine curricular breadth. Beyond traditional sciences, English, mathematics, and languages, the school offers Classical Greek, Russian, History of Art, Government and Politics, Psychology, and Computing. This subject range allows girls to pursue intellectual interests that may not coalesce around a single career pathway, a deliberate choice aligned with the school's "appropriately academic" philosophy.
Sixth form students progress to selective universities at strong rates. In the 2023-24 leavers cohort, 51% progressed to university (the remainder pursuing gap years, employment, or further education). Specific destinations from published data include Imperial College London (biochemistry), Durham University (classics, geography, politics), the London School of Economics (geography with economics), the University of Oxford (history, economics, PPE, music), the University of Cambridge (medicine), and University College London (economics, English, geophysics). Five students secured Oxbridge places in the measurement period; the school's Oxbridge ranking of 184th reflects selective admissions competition in England.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
91.86%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
79.9%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching at St Swithun's emphasises rigorous academic structures alongside intellectual curiosity. The school is a member of the High Performance Learning (HPL) Fellowship of World Class Schools, a philosophical commitment to the belief that intelligence is not fixed and that, with deliberate practice, resilience, and critical thinking, all students can enhance their cognitive abilities.
This manifests through several mechanisms. Classroom instruction prioritises explanation, questioning, and practice. In mathematics, for example, girls work through problems systematically, posing questions, and engaging in consistent repetition to deepen understanding and accuracy. The curriculum itself is ambitious: girls study traditional academic subjects to A-level and sixth form, with specialist teaching in each discipline from an early stage. In sciences, the separate science pathway from Key Stage 3 permits deeper specialist knowledge than many schools offer.
Professional knowledge among staff is notable. Teachers hold postgraduate qualifications in their subjects and many have research or professional experience beyond education (engineering, medicine, languages). Specialist facilities, dedicated science laboratories, music school, art and technology block, enable practical learning that textbooks cannot convey. The performing arts centre, featuring a 600-seat auditorium, hosts major drama productions; the full-size indoor swimming pool supports aquatic instruction; tennis courts (12 total), netball courts (7), and a grass athletics track with all-weather field areas permit comprehensive sports provision.
The leavers cohort from 2023-24 demonstrates the breadth of university outcomes. Of 65 sixth form leavers, 51% progressed to university; 20% entered employment; 2% commenced apprenticeships; the remainder pursued gap years or further education. While a portion of the cohort intentionally defer university entry to travel or work, the university progression rate reflects strong academic preparation and motivated candidates.
Named university destinations reveal institutional reach beyond Russell Group. Leavers attended Durham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, and Bath alongside Russell Group institutions, with particular strength in traditional academic disciplines. Five students secured Oxbridge places in the measurement period (Oxbridge acceptance rate: 19%, significantly above national averages). Medicine and sciences feature prominently as degree choices.
Approximately 75% of prep school girls transition to the senior school, typically at Year 7 (age 11). The school runs formal transition processes: Year 6 pupils visit the senior school regularly, tour facilities, and meet teachers. The continuity of environment, shared campus, consistent pastoral structures, familiar expectations, eases adjustment for the majority. Some families do select external secondaries, particularly selective grammar schools or boarding schools with particular specialisms; the school supports these choices without pressure.
Total Offers
7
Offer Success Rate: 25.9%
Cambridge
3
Offers
Oxford
4
Offers
Music at St Swithun's represents a substantial commitment within the appropriately academic framework. The school operates three choirs, five rock bands, and three orchestras plus smaller ensemble groups (string quartet, chamber combinations) that reflect pupil interest at any given moment. Musical instruction extends beyond performance: the chapel choir sings regularly at Winchester Cathedral and undertakes touring; rock bands perform at school events; orchestras present formal concerts.
Instrumental music is widespread. 75% of prep school pupils learn an instrument; uptake remains high in the senior school. Music scholarships, available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry points, carry value of up to 20% of fees and include tuition in up to two instruments. Scholars are held to county-level standard or above in at least one instrument and expected to contribute actively to school ensembles.
The Music School building, a dedicated modern facility, provides teaching studios, practice rooms, and performance spaces. Recording equipment is available for A-level music students. The school's philosophy emphasises musical literacy and ensemble participation rather than elite performance alone; access to instrumental tuition and ensemble membership is deliberately broad.
Drama thrives at St Swithun's through a philosophy that performance is both rehearsal for leadership and genuine artistic endeavour. The Harvey Hall, the school's main performance space within the 2003 Performing Arts Centre, seats 600 and hosts senior school productions two to three times yearly, alongside prep school productions, guest performances, and external bookings.
Senior students produce major theatrical works: recent productions include challenging texts that demand sophisticated interpretation and technical execution. Sixth form students undertake GCSE and A-level drama, with portfolio requirements that necessitate sustained design and performance work. The drama curriculum integrates theatre history, script analysis, and practical technique. Students can pursue drama scholarships (value up to 20% of fees) at entry points 11+, 13+, and 16+.
A dedicated drama block provides teaching spaces, and the performing arts centre's infrastructure, lighting, sound, stage facilities, meets semi-professional standards. Student production quality reflects serious investment in both facilities and expertise.
Science teaching is structured around separate disciplines from lower secondary onwards. Chemistry, biology, and physics are distinct curricula, each with dedicated specialists. Science labs are well-equipped; the school supports practical investigation at GCSE and A-level. Computer science is offered from Key Stage 3 onwards, with A-level pathways for those pursuing technology-focused degrees.
Beyond the formal curriculum, academic enrichment sessions allow students to explore topics beyond syllabi specifications. Academic scholars commit to weekly seminars with peers; departmental seminars and visiting lecturers provide exposure to university-level thinking. The school facilitates maths competitions, science fairs, and subject-specific challenges (e.g., language conversation clubs, coding competitions).
The school has participated in Greenpower, an engineering challenge where students design and race electric vehicles. Teams have competed in England for 25 years, combining mechanical design, electrical engineering, and project management in authentic, results-oriented learning.
Sport at St Swithun's pursues a dual mandate: all students participate in compulsory games sessions (2-3 hours weekly), while competitive pathways exist for those with serious athletic ambitions. Sports scholarships (value up to 20% of fees) are awarded at Year 10 and Year 12 entry points to girls demonstrating county-level proficiency in the school's major sports (lacrosse, netball, cricket, tennis, athletics). Historically, St Swithun's was the national lacrosse champion in 2008; it currently ranks 1st among all Hampshire schools and 1st among girls' boarding schools in England in School Sport Magazine's 2024 rankings.
Compulsory sports include netball, lacrosse, rounders (prep), swimming, and tennis. Optional offerings span archery, badminton, basketball, golf, karate, fencing, cross-country, handball, trampolining, touch rugby, pilates, fitness, and water polo. The school's location near Winchester permits partnership with Winchester and District Athletics Club for specialist coaching in track and field.
Facilities are substantial: an indoor sports hall with fitness suite and strength and conditioning equipment, 12 tennis courts, 7 netball courts, a 31ft x 53ft gymnasium, a full-size indoor swimming pool, a grass athletics track with all-weather long-jump and throwing areas, and multiple cricket pitches with astroturf strips. Ski trips are available in winter term; summer term includes sailing instruction at the UK Sailing Academy in Cowes (Isle of Wight).
The compulsory sports requirement is non-negotiable; girls who prefer non-traditional pursuits (rowing, horse-riding, golf) can appeal for alternative activity arrangements. The school's philosophy values physical confidence, resilience, and teamwork, goals achieved through diverse physical challenge, not exclusively through team sports.
The Enterprise Club runs weekly, with lunchtime sessions dedicated to entrepreneurial thinking. Students enter national competitions including Tycoon Enterprise and the Micro-Tyco Sustainability Challenge. Recent successes include a sixth form team reaching Micro-Tyco national finals with an innovative inhaler design addressing smoking-related illness. Year groups also participate in Enterprise Days, where students conceptualise, pitch, and market business ideas, from eco-friendly toys to social enterprises serving vulnerable communities (notably, rural girls' schools in India).
Leadership structures provide visible pathways to responsibility. Form captains, house captains, and student council members hold genuine influence over school decisions. Boarders participate in the Boarders' Award, which recognises personal development through skills acquisition (letter writing, meal budgeting, acts of kindness) and global awareness. This award was shortlisted for the Boarding Schools Association Innovation Award.
The school offers approximately 140 co-curricular activities and clubs, with options before school, at lunch, and after school. Named clubs include the Debating Society, Biology drop-in sessions, Maths and Chemistry drop-ins, Linguistics Club, Cryptography Society, Astronomy Club, Bell-Ringing Club, and a thriving Sailing Club led by the geography department. Weekends for boarders feature 14+ structured activities: pottery workshops, golf outings, water sports, escape rooms, Winchester shopping and dining experiences, sleepovers across houses, and inter-house competitions.
Boarding trips are frequent: trips to London for theatre, concerts, and cultural events; weekend country walks; ice-skating excursions; and shopping in Winchester town centre. These activities are carefully curated by boarding staff each term and made available as a timetable; students select according to preference or school commitments (matches, performances, revision).
Senior and sixth form tuition is charged termly:
Annual equivalents: day girls approximately £32,540; boarders approximately £55,000. These fees are inclusive of tuition, pastoral care, school meals, and activities. Fees do not include uniform, certain trips, or private music lessons, which incur additional charges. Registration fee for formal assessment is £350 (non-refundable). Deposits on acceptance range from £1,500-£5,000 depending on entry point; all but £500 is credited to first-term fees.
Prep school fees are lower, ranging by year group from £1,404-£5,825 per term (day pupils only, as prep is non-boarding). Preschool fees are available on the school website.
The school offers comprehensive financial support through scholarships and bursaries. Scholarships (academic, music, sport, art, drama, mathematics) carry value of 5-20% of fees and are awarded competitively at entry points 11+, 13+, and 16+. Scholars are expected to contribute significantly to school life (performing in recitals, representing the school at sports fixtures, participating in exhibitions).
Means-tested bursaries are more substantial. Awards of 75-110% of tuition fees are available to girls meeting entrance criteria. These awards account for family income and are reviewed annually; they remain valid for the duration of a girl's education subject to satisfactory progress and continued financial need. The awards committee exercises discretion; all decisions are final.
The Bramston Foundation provides transformational bursaries offering free boarding places to girls from very disadvantaged circumstances or on the edge of needing UK social care. These awards come with dedicated pastoral support and mentoring. The Foundation also works with the Royal National Children's Springboard Foundation (the UK's largest boarding school bursary charity) to identify girls whose lives would be transformed by a place at St Swithun's.
Armed Forces families receive 20% boarding bursaries (non-means-tested). Families with three daughters at the school receive a 10% discount for the eldest day pupil or day rates for boarders.
Fees may be paid via monthly direct debit through the School Fee Plan, or as lump-sum composition fees with discounts linked to gilt rates.
Fees data coming soon.
Girls may enter St Swithun's at multiple stages: age 4 (preschool), 7 (Year 3 via 7+ assessment), 8 (Year 4 via 8+ assessment), 11 (Year 7 via 11+ Common Entrance or school's own entrance exam), 13 (Year 9 via Common Entrance or 13+ entrance papers), and 16 (Year 12 via GCSE results and school entrance assessments).
At 11+ and 13+, candidates sit entrance examinations set by the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) known as Common Entrance, or take the school's own entrance papers (particularly for overseas-based or late-entry applicants). Assessment focuses on English, mathematics, and reasoning; interview follows successful written papers. Academic scholarships, available at all entry points up to 16+, are awarded competitively to candidates demonstrating exceptional potential.
Music scholarships require candidates to perform two contrasting pieces at county level or above; part-written, part-heard examinations assess theoretical understanding and aural perception. Art scholarships demand portfolio submission (7-10 pages) alongside interview and practical demonstration. Sports scholarships assess sporting proficiency at county level or above; assessed applicants typically also serve a school A-team and one additional major sport.
Means-tested bursaries (value 75-110% of fees) are available to candidates meeting academic entrance criteria. The school's Bramston Foundation provides transformational bursaries covering full boarding costs for girls from disadvantaged circumstances or on the edge of needing UK social care; these bursaries come with tailored pastoral support and designated mentors. Military families receive 20% boarding bursaries.
The school is consistently oversubscribed. At 11+ (Year 7 entry), the 11+ entrance exam filters an applicant pool into a competitive scholarship shortlist and general admissions candidates. The resulting cohort typically numbers 150 new students (50-60 day, 90-100 boarders). Boarding offers strong appeal to families across the UK and internationally; the school draws students from 27 different nationalities, with international representation estimated at 10-15% of senior school population.
Entry selectivity is genuine. Candidates must demonstrate academic capability, pass entrance examinations, and secure positive references. The school also assesses intangible qualities, intellectual curiosity, resilience, collaborative spirit, through interview and reference. Girls who achieve entry typically have prepared through ISEB Common Entrance or equivalent assessments at their current schools.
Boarding occupies the institutional centre of St Swithun's identity. Approximately 214 full and weekly boarders live in six designated boarding houses: Le Roy (Year 7 boarding house for girls' first year), Hillcroft, Earlsdown, Hyde Abbey, High House (all senior houses accommodating girls Year 8-11), and Finlay (sixth form house for both day and boarding girls).
First-year boarders (year 7) reside in Le Roy, a purposefully designed house that eases transition to boarding life. Dorms are small (two or three girls per room); students rotate room placements throughout the year to build wider friendship networks. Le Roy's culture emphasizes community: older senior students volunteer as mentors; house staff run sleepovers and social events within the year group. Le Roy maintains a "Zoo" of resident animals, currently including tortoises Anna and Elsa, a chameleon named Tabasco, and puppy Ivory and husky Bleu, which serve as emotional anchors and conversation points for homesick pupils.
Senior boarding houses (Hillcroft, Earlsdown, Hyde Abbey, High House) each house 35-45 girls with even age distribution across years 8-11. Rooms are single-occupancy (a deliberate choice permitting private space alongside communal living). Care is taken to balance age groups and nationalities across houses. Each house maintains distinct character while remaining part of the broader community. House events, inter-house competitions (music, drama, sports), and house meals reinforce identity.
Finlay House, the sixth form residence, brings day and boarding students together in shared space, ending the single-sex house segregation of earlier years. Sixth formers have access to fitness suites, swimming pool, music practice rooms, and town privileges (afternoon outings to Winchester town centre). Study hours are supervised but less restrictive than younger years, reflecting increased maturity and university-level workload.
Boarding life is structured and warm. Housemistresses or housemasters, supported by resident tutors, house matrons, and graduate assistants, lead each house. These adults live on-site; their presence and availability create the security boarders need. Form tutors maintain academic oversight; house staff manage pastoral welfare. A dedicated school counsellor and on-site health centre (staffed by four nurses) provide additional support. Two Winchester GPs visit the health centre twice weekly for appointments; mobile dentist and immunisation teams visit termly. All boarding staff are first aid trained; Hampshire Royal Hospital's A & E is a 10-minute drive away.
Weekday schedules are structured. Lunch is taken in dining room (communal, broadcast live to international families). Afternoon lessons end at 4:00pm; girls return to boarding houses by 4:30pm for tea and downtime. From 6:00pm, girls either pursue after-school clubs or return to houses. Supper (6:00-8:00pm) is taken in dining room or house kitchens (older years have choice). Younger pupils engage in structured evening activities or leisure until 10:00pm; older students manage independent work with staff support available until 10:00pm.
Weekend activity programming is elaborate. Fourteen-plus structured activities operate across Friday evenings and Saturday/Sunday. These include pottery workshops (art studio), golf (on-site facilities and local clubs), water sports (Cowes sailing academy trip in summer), rock climbing (Cotswold sites), mountain biking (nearby trails), London visits (theatre, museums, restaurants), escape rooms, shopping in Winchester, movie nights, and sleepovers across houses. Boarding staff curate a timetable each term; students select activities matching preferences.
Boarding integration with day pupils is deliberate. Form groups mix day and boarding students; they share classes, meals, and school transport. Boarding-specific pastoral care (house meetings, boarding circles) occurs separately, but the overarching community is unified.
An innovative feature is the Boarders' Award, shortlisted for the Boarding Schools Association Innovation Award. This scheme recognises boarders' personal development through specific skills (letter writing, meal budgeting, kindness initiatives) and broader awareness (cultural appreciation, global citizenship, emotional resilience). Sleep Champions, staff and student volunteers, promote healthy sleep habits in response to recognised challenges (adolescent sleep dysregulation, technology effects). The school runs a bespoke "St Swithun's Sleep" programme addressing sleeplessness and technology's impact.
Pastoral care at St Swithun's is described as award-winning, a claim borne out by institutional design and staff practice. Every girl belongs to a form group (academic) and a house (pastoral). Form tutors monitor academic progress and provide general support. Housemistresses or housemasters, supported by staff, manage welfare, homesickness, friendship dynamics, and personal development. Year heads coordinate across forms within their year group.
The Positive Education programme, delivered to all students, teaches wellbeing and resilience through evidence-based frameworks. Topics include emotional regulation, social connection, resilience-building, and growth mindset. Specialist staff (school counsellor, learning support coordinator, safeguarding leads) provide additional support for students experiencing specific challenges (anxiety, family transitions, learning difficulties, autistic spectrum traits).
A school counsellor is available weekly. The health centre, staffed by four nurses, manages minor injuries, illness, and ongoing health conditions. GP visits occur twice weekly; mobile dentist and immunisation services visit termly. Boarding students requiring medical appointments are accompanied by house staff.
Behavior expectations are clear and consistently applied. The Independent Schools Inspectorate noted in 2024 that pupils demonstrate exemplary behaviour and respect towards each other. Bullying is taken seriously; formal procedures, investigation protocols, and restorative practices address concerns. Anti-bullying training, peer support networks, and house-based conflict resolution support students in developing healthy relationships.
Senior school day typically runs 8:45am (first bell) to 4:00pm (end of afternoon sessions). Form time begins at 8:50am; lessons run in blocks. Lunch is taken communally 1:00-2:00pm. Afternoon activities (sports, music, drama) typically operate 4:00-6:00pm; after-school clubs and societies run 3:15-4:15pm.
Prep school day runs 8:40am-3:30pm for most year groups; nursery and preschool operate flexible hours with sessional and full-day options.
Winchester Railway Station (10 minutes by taxi from school) provides four trains per hour to London Waterloo (approximately 1 hour). Many UK families use this route for weekend journeys. The school operates a weekly London-based coach for regular day and weekly boarders (separate routes and schedules available).
Parking is available on campus for day pupils. The school is accessible by car from Winchester and surrounding areas; satnav postcodes are provided on the school website.
Prep school offers breakfast club from 7:45am and after-school club until 6:00pm. Holiday clubs operate during school breaks. These services are chargeable separately from tuition.
Senior school does not offer wraparound care; students typically remain on campus for activities, or parents arrange collection. Boarders naturally remain on campus.
All-girls environment: The school is single-sex throughout, a deliberate choice reflecting evidence that girls develop greater self-confidence and leadership skills in all-girls settings. Sixth form brings day and boarding girls together; however, boys do not attend. Families seeking coeducation should look elsewhere.
Boarding expectations for day pupils: While day places exist at all levels, the school is fundamentally a boarding institution. Boarders and day pupils mix in form groups and activities; however, boarding culture, boarding houses, and boarding-centred activities dominate pastoral life. Families should understand that day pupils do not participate in boarding sleepovers or house-based evening activities. Boarders' social life is richer in this respect, a reality to acknowledge when choosing day entry.
Academic intensity: The school is "appropriately academic" rather than relaxed. Girls are expected to commit fully to classwork and homework before pursuing enrichment. Results are consistently strong, but this reflects genuine intellectual engagement, not test-coaching or pressure. Students with genuine learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyscalculia, ASD, ADHD requiring significant support) should discuss provisions with the school directly; while support exists, the academic pace may be challenging for some.
Cost: Boarding fees of £55,000 per year are substantial. Day fees (£32,500) are more moderate but still significant. Bursary support exists but is competitive; scholarship support covers 5-20% of fees. Families should budget for additional costs: uniform, trips (residential visits, ski trip, sailing academy), private music lessons, and higher education guidance (some schools charge for these services).
Boarding experience: Boarding is genuine separation from family. Exeats (weekend home leave) occur approximately every three weeks, but this rhythm differs from day school where daily contact is standard. Girls must be ready for independence, separation, and boarding-house life. Some flourish; others struggle initially or throughout. Parents should assess their child's emotional readiness carefully.
Location: While Winchester is historic and accessible, the school is not urban. Weekend activities are curated by the school; students cannot independently access urban amenities at will. Rural location suits some families (quieter environment, countryside walking, community-focused); others prefer proximity to major cities.
St Swithun's is an intellectually rigorous and genuinely supportive all-girls school that produces confident young women prepared for selective universities and professional leadership. The combination of strong academic results (top 2% in England at GCSE, top 3% at A-level), boarding culture that develops independence and resilience, and pastoral care that attends to wellbeing, makes it an exceptional choice for families seeking a traditional all-girls boarding or day education with genuine depth. The school's 140-year history and strong alumnae network (over 5,000 former pupils worldwide) provide lasting community.
The school is best suited to families who:
Admission is selective; entry requires strong academic capability, entrance examination success, and positive references. The school does not inflate ability or outcomes; girls admitted are expected to engage seriously with their education. For families whose daughters thrive in structured, rigorous, caring environments with exceptional facilities and genuine pastoral attention, St Swithun's delivers on its 1884 promise to develop girls of independent thought and capable action.
Yes. St Swithun's was rated as meeting required standards across all key areas in the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) routine inspection of 2024. The school ranks 108th in England for GCSE results (top 2%) and 84th for A-level results (top 3%), based on FindMySchool analysis. In 2024, 80% of GCSE grades achieved 9-7; 92% of A-level grades achieved A*-B. Five students secured Oxbridge places in the measurement period.
Tuition fees for 2025-26 are £10,846.80 per term (day girls) or £18,332.40 per term (boarders), both including VAT. Annual equivalents are approximately £32,540 (day) and £55,000 (boarding). Registration fee is £350; deposits on acceptance range from £1,500-£5,000. Fees do not include uniform, certain trips, or private music lessons. Prep school fees range by year group from £1,404-£5,825 per term.
The school offers scholarships (5-20% of fees) in academic, music, sport, art, drama, and mathematics disciplines, awarded competitively at entry points 11+, 13+, and 16+. Means-tested bursaries covering 75-110% of tuition fees are available to girls meeting entrance criteria. Armed Forces families receive 20% boarding bursaries (non-means-tested). The Bramston Foundation provides transformational bursaries covering full boarding costs for girls from disadvantaged circumstances. Families with three daughters receive a 10% discount.
Admission is selective. The school consistently receives more applications than places available. Candidates sit entrance examinations (Common Entrance at 11+ and 13+, or school's own papers for overseas-based applicants), followed by interview. Academic entrance standards are genuinely demanding; girls must demonstrate capability in English, mathematics, and reasoning, plus positive character references. Boarding entry is slightly more accessible than day entry (more day spaces sought than available).
Yes, extensively. The school operates three choirs, five rock bands, three orchestras, and smaller ensembles. 75% of prep pupils learn an instrument; uptake remains high in senior school. Music scholarships (value up to 20% of fees) are awarded at entry points 11+, 13+, and 16+. Drama is taught as a subject and pursued through major theatrical productions twice to three times yearly in the 600-seat Harvey Hall. Drama scholarships and A-level drama are available.
Compulsory sports include netball, lacrosse, swimming, tennis, and rounders (prep). Optional sports span archery, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross-country, fencing, golf, handball, karate, pilates, touch rugby, trampolining, water polo, and fitness. The school ranked 1st among Hampshire schools and 1st among girls' boarding schools in England in 2024. Sports scholarships (value up to 20% of fees) are awarded to county-level athletes. Approximately 140 co-curricular clubs operate, including debate, astronomy, cryptography, languages, STEM, and enterprise. Weekend boarding activities include 14+ options: pottery, golf, water sports, rock climbing, London visits, escape rooms, shopping, and inter-house competitions.
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