The Westgate School, Winchester: Review 2026

Sitting on a leafy campus in the Badger Farm area of Winchester, The Westgate School holds the distinction of being Hampshire's first all-through school. It serves pupils from age 4 to 16, combining a newer primary provision with a long-established and highly successful secondary school. Academically, it is a powerhouse, particularly in the secondary phase where pupil progress is well above the national average. The atmosphere is purposeful and busy, managing a large cohort of over 1,600 pupils while retaining a community feel.

The campus is a blend of eras, reflecting the school's evolution. The Lower School (primary phase) occupies a purpose-built modern facility that feels distinct yet integrated, while the Upper School retains its comprehensive secondary character. Mrs Fae Dean, the Headteacher, has overseen the school's successful expansion into an all-through institution, maintaining high standards throughout the transition.

The ethos is one of high expectation and inclusivity. As an all-through school, there is a unique dynamic where the youngest pupils are familiar with the site long before they reach Year 7, removing the traditional "cliff edge" of secondary transfer. The school hosts a specialist Resourced Provision for pupils with physical disabilities, which sits at the heart of the school culture; accessibility and inclusion are visible daily realities, not just policies.

Academic outcomes at The Westgate are robust, particularly in the secondary phase where the school significantly outperforms national benchmarks.

Secondary (Year 11)

Ranked 626th in England and 3rd in Winchester for GCSE outcomes, the school sits in the top 13% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). The Progress 8 score of +0.7 is exceptional, indicating that students achieve nearly three-quarters of a grade higher across all subjects than students of similar ability nationally. Attainment is equally strong, with an Attainment 8 score of 59.8, well above the England average of 45.9.

Primary (Year 6)

Ranked 6121st in England and 11th in Winchester for primary outcomes, performance here reflects the school's "national typical" banding (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, 68% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, exceeding the England average of 62%. Reading is a particular strength, with an average scaled score of 108 compared to the national average of 100.

The curriculum is designed as a continuum from Reception to Year 11. This "spiral curriculum" allows subject specialists from the secondary phase to input into primary learning, particularly in languages, music, and PE. In the secondary phase, teaching is rigorous. The EBacc entry rate is just over 40%, suggesting a balanced approach where academic core subjects are valued but not enforced at the expense of the arts or vocational options.

Science results are notably strong, with 80% of primary pupils meeting the expected standard, setting a solid foundation for secondary science.

The Westgate is an 11-16 provider, meaning there is no on-site sixth form. This is standard for Winchester, where the tertiary college system dominates. The vast majority of students progress to Peter Symonds College, one of the top-performing sixth form colleges in the country, located nearby. The school maintains close links with the college to ensure smooth transition. A smaller number progress to Sparsholt College for land-based and vocational courses.

Admission to The Westgate is fiercely competitive. The school operates as two distinct entry points under Hampshire County Council's coordinated admissions scheme.

Reception Entry

The primary phase is heavily oversubscribed. In 2024, there were 195 applications for just 60 places (3.3 applications per place). The school serves a tight local catchment around the Badger Farm and Oliver's Battery areas.

Year 7 Entry

Secondary transfer is equally competitive. In 2024, the school received 602 applications for 203 places. While pupils from the Lower School (Year 6) have a named feeder link, the majority of the Year 7 intake still comes from external primary schools. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance, as catchment boundaries can shrink in high-demand years.

Pastoral care is organised through a House system, which provides a smaller community feel within the large school. The vertical tutoring system in the Upper School mixes students of different ages, fostering peer mentoring and reducing bullying.

The school's experience with physically disabled pupils adds a layer of genuine care to the pastoral provision; students are accustomed to looking out for one another. The Learning Support department is well-regarded, particularly for its integration of pupils with EHCPs into mainstream lessons.

Extracurricular life is vibrant, with a strong emphasis on music and sport. The Music department is particularly active, with a school orchestra, jazz band, and choir performing regularly at Winchester Cathedral and school events.

Sports facilities are extensive, including tennis courts and sports halls that are well-used for fixtures in netball, football, and athletics. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a staple of Key Stage 4, with high participation rates for the Bronze and Silver awards. The school also runs numerous trips, from ski trips to language exchanges, broadening students' horizons beyond Hampshire.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Located on Cheriton Road, the site is busy at drop-off and pick-up times. Parents are strongly encouraged to walk or use public transport where possible, as parking in the Badger Farm residential area is limited. The school is well-served by local bus routes connecting to the city centre and outlying villages. Wraparound care is available for primary-aged pupils; details on breakfast and after-school clubs should be confirmed directly with the school office.

No Sixth Form. Students must move institutions at 16. While Peter Symonds is excellent, families seeking a continuous education through to age 18 in one building will not find it here.

Oversubscription risks. With three applications for every primary place and nearly three for every secondary place, entry is far from guaranteed even for those living relatively close. Families moving to the area should not assume a place is available.

Size and Scale. With over 1,600 pupils on site, the environment is large and busy. While the Lower School is somewhat sheltered, the sheer scale of the campus at lunchtime can be daunting for quieter children.

The Westgate School offers a high-performing, modern state education with the unique benefit of an all-through structure. Its secondary results are among the strongest in Hampshire, justified by the exceptional progress scores. Best suited to families in the immediate Badger Farm catchment who value academic rigour and inclusivity, and who are comfortable with their children moving on to a separate sixth form college at 16. The main challenge is securing a place.