Windermere School
The Lake District · LA23 1NW
Windermere School is an independent, coeducational, all-through school in the Lake District offering day and boarding from age 3 to 18. The school emphasises outdoor adventure and experiential learning, leveraging its dramatic natural setting as a core pedagogical asset. It offers the International Baccalaureate at Sixth Form and maintains a strong focus on pastoral care, wellbeing, and character development alongside academic rigour.
- →Outstanding outdoor education and adventure programmes integrated into the curriculum, capitalising on Lake District location
- →IB Diploma and Career-Related Programmes in Sixth Form with strong university progression
- →Genuine all-through provision with wraparound care from Pre-School to age 18, appealing to families seeking continuity
- →Flexible and full boarding options designed to accommodate working parents and international families
Who thrives here
Windermere suits adventurous, resilient pupils who thrive in outdoor learning environments and value experiential education. It is particularly well-suited to families relocating internationally, boarding-focused families, or those seeking a non-traditional exam pathway (IB). The school also appeals to creative, active learners who may struggle in pressurised, conventional independent-school settings.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Browhead, Patterdale Road, Windermere
The Lake District
LA23 1NW
Nearest stations
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Windermere School?
Day fees at Windermere School are approximately £19,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Windermere School?
Windermere School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Windermere School's exam results?
At Windermere School, 38% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Windermere School a boarding school?
Windermere School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Windermere School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Windermere School “Excellent” (2018).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional outdoor education and adventure integration; pupils develop genuine resilience and risk-assessment skills
✓Strong pastoral care and wellbeing culture; boarding staff genuinely invested in pupil welfare
✓IB programme taken seriously with genuine international preparation; fewer pupils = more individual attention
✓Spectacular location transforms learning; outdoor classroom ethos rare in UK independent sector
✓Flexible boarding and forces family support appeals to mobile professional families
Common concerns
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected (as at 2024); limited external validation of academic outcomes and safeguarding
!Smaller senior cohort may limit peer diversity and specialist subject breadth at A2 level
!Remote Lake District location limits access to cultural institutions, specialist tutors, and urban internships
!IB-only pathway at Sixth Form excludes families wanting traditional A-level depth in specific subjects
!Boarding-heavy culture may not suit day pupils; less developed day pupil community