Withington Girls’ School Review: Rankings, Fees, And More
Located in Manchester, Withington Girls’ School is a premier independent day school catering to girls aged 7 to 18. The school excels academically and is renowned for achieving some of the top results nationwide. With a nurturing environment that fosters student growth and well-being, coupled with a rich tapestry of extracurricular activities, Withington offers a holistic educational experience, shaping well-rounded individuals poised for success.
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Summary Of School
- Type of school: All-girls
- Age range: 7-18
- Pupils: 727
- Fees: £11,910 – £15,573 (Day fees, per annum)
- 2023 A-Level Results: 74.3% A*-A
- 2023 GCSE Results: 89% 9-7
Table of Contents
Withington Girls' School Overview
Withington Girls’ School is an HMC independent day school providing quality education to girls aged 7-18. It consists of the Junior School that offers foundational courses and the Senior School which offers GCSEs and Advanced Levels.
Located in Fallowfield, Manchester, the school has a long history dating back to 1890, when it was founded by a number of eminent Mancunians. Academic excellence is a focal point of Withington, as seen by its stellar annual GCSE and A Level results.
Aside from studies, the school aims to foster intellectual curiosity, a love of learning, independence of mind and individual responsibility among its pupils through its array of extracurricular activities.
Withington Girl's School Courses And Programmes
Withington Girls’ School offers a comprehensive range of courses and programmes designed to nurture the intellectual curiosity and academic prowess of its students.
At Junior School, foundational education is provided to lay a strong academic groundwork. As students progress to the Senior School, they have the opportunity to pursue a diverse array of subjects, preparing them for GCSEs and A Levels.
For younger students, fundamental subjects like English, Maths, and Sciences as well as languages such as French, German, and Spanish are offered. As they progress, students have the option to delve into more specialised areas of study. Subjects such as Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation, and Computer Science are offered to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of various disciplines. Curriculum extending beyond traditional academics are also available, such as subjects like Drama and Theatre Studies, Art, Music, and Physical Education, fostering creativity, expression, and physical well-being.
At Sixth Form, students have the opportunity to explore advanced topics in subjects such as Politics, Economics, Psychology, and Philosophy, preparing them for higher education and beyond.
Withington Girls' School Application Deadline
Year 3-6
- Thursday 7th December 2023 — Deadline for submitting applications for Junior School places for September 2024
Year 7
- Friday 1st December 2023 — Deadline for submitting applications for Year 7 places for September 2024
- Thursday 30th November 2023 — Deadline for submitting Statement of Interest for consideration ahead of first round of applications
Withington Girls' School Rankings And Results
In 2023, 74.3% of A Level grades were A*-A and 89% of GCSE grades were 9-7, a testament to the quality of education and level of competitiveness of Withington Girls’ School. The school ranked 29 and 30 respectively in the A Levels and GCSE League Table for 2023.
Withington Girls' School Fees (2023-2024)
Fees stated below are per annum:
Junior School: £11,910
Senior School / Sixth Form: £15,573
Withington Girls' School Entry Requirements
Junior School
Prospective girls are assessed in English and Mathematics. Interview is not required but their demeanour is observed on assessment day. A reference from their current school will be needed. The assessment format is as follows:
- A short, taught task for Year 3 and Year 5 entry.
- A reading test for Year 4 and Year 6 entry.
- English – comprehension, language skills and story.
- Mathematics – basic numeracy and problem solving.
Senior School
Entry to Senior School at Withington Girls’ School is conducted through a rigorous yet inclusive process, comprising examination and interview components.
Examinations are typically held in January each year, with successful candidates advancing to the interview stage within three to four weeks following the examination day.
For prospective students, the Entrance Examination (11+) evaluates proficiency in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Sample papers for English and Mathematics are available for practice, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the format and style of questions.
Interviews are conducted in an informal setting with two senior members of staff. These conversations provide an opportunity for students to discuss their examination responses, as well as their interests, hobbies, and aspirations. There are no predefined criteria for the ideal candidate; rather, the school seeks individuals who demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for learning, curiosity about the world, and critical thinking skills.
Parents are invited to join the interview conversation, offering an opportunity to address any queries they may have. While this interaction is not part of the selection process, it provides valuable insights into the school’s ethos and values.
Withington Girls' School Reviews
“My daughter loves the school and wouldn’t like to go anywhere else. It’s been great for her and she’s made good progress there.”
“Heard its a realtime good school I recommend it to any mums wanting a good school for there daughters.”
“Withington Girls’ School is a pleasure to be in. My favourite thing about school is the kindness! Everyone is so kind.”
Withington Girls' School Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care system at Withington Girls’ School is designed to cater to the individual needs of each student, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. From the Junior School to the Senior School, the school’s commitment to student well-being is evident in its comprehensive approach. Form Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students towards responsibility and respectfulness, fostering a culture of empathy and cooperation.
Collaboration between teachers, parents, and support staff ensures that any concerns are addressed swiftly and sensitively. The School Nurse provides attentive care, offering a listening ear and administering medical help when needed. Additionally, Sixth Form Peer Supporters act as mentors, forming strong bonds with younger students and providing valuable support and guidance.
Throughout the school, there is a strong emphasis on knowing and understanding each student individually. This fosters a warm and inclusive environment where academic excellence is complemented by personal and social growth opportunities. The school’s ethos, centered around Respect for Self, Respect for Others, and Personal Responsibility, promotes a sense of community and collaboration among students.
Form Tutors and Shadow Form Tutors serve as primary points of contact for students and parents, offering daily support and guidance. Head of Year oversee each year group, ensuring comprehensive support and intervention when necessary.
Initiatives such as Feel Fab Feb, Culture Day, and Citizenship Day further reinforce the school’s commitment to holistic development, promoting well-being, cultural understanding, and community engagement among students.
Overall, the pastoral care system at Withington Girls’ School is integral to the school’s ethos, ensuring that every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Withington Girls' School Extracurricular Activities
With a vibrant array of extracurricular activities, Withington Girls’ School offers students opportunities to explore and develop interests beyond the classroom.
Co-curricular Activities
Junior girls can choose from a diverse range of clubs and activities, including Art Club, Choir, Drama, Library Club, Mindfulness, Yoga, Eco Club, and various sports activities such as Gym, Netball, Hockey, Lacrosse, Tennis, and Football. Private music lessons and LAMDA lessons are also available for those interested in honing their artistic talents. Additionally, girls learning musical instruments are encouraged to join the Junior Orchestra to further enhance their skills.
Senior students also actively participate in these activities, providing mentorship and support to their younger peers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding across the school community.
Trips and Visits
Trips and visits are integral to the school’s curriculum, bringing learning to life through visits to animal sanctuaries, historic houses, and local establishments. As students progress through the school, residential trips offer further opportunities for academic enrichment, personal development, and fun-filled experiences.
Music
Music holds a central place in school life, with various opportunities for students to engage in listening, composing, and performing. The Music Department offers a wide range of musical groups, including choirs, ensembles, and orchestras, catering to students’ diverse interests and abilities.
Sports
With state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a modern Sports Hall, Gym/Dance Studio, and fitness suite, students have access to a wide range of sports activities. From team sports like hockey, lacrosse, and netball to individual pursuits like badminton, yoga, and trampolining, there is something for everyone. Withington’s commitment to sports excellence is evident in its participation in national and regional competitions, earning recognition as one of the top independent sports schools in the country.
Drama
Drama enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a thriving extracurricular drama program, with opportunities to participate in clubs, workshops, and school productions. From technical training to performance opportunities, students can explore various aspects of theatre and build confidence through the LAMDA Speech and Drama program.
In short, there’s something for everyone, ensuring a holistic learning environment for students at Withington.
Withington Girls' School Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.wgs.org/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone call: +44 (0)161 249 3371
- Location: Withington Girls’ School, 100 Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL
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