Changing the future of education through innovation

#1 in the UK for Innovation, #1 in the Vale for Results

Westbourne School’s evolution over recent years, from a local Penarth school to an internationally recognised, innovation-powered educational network, with schools in the UK, Sydney, Singapore and, shortly, Mumbai, is irrefutably impressive. 

Our mission? To develop the leaders of the future in STEM and Business on the world stage, powered by a deeply innovative approach to teaching and study. Students are empowered by global-mindedness and future-focused skills that set them apart from their peers, supported by 24/7 access to a dynamic global learning network spanning three continents.

Simply put, Westbourne is doing things like no other school, amply reflected by a host of award wins – from the Global EdTech Award for a Transformational Use of Education Technology, to a Pearson National Teaching Award for Headteacher of the Year, and ranking #1 in the Vale for Results (Sunday Times), and #1 in the UK for Innovation (ISA).    

And this is all whilst maintaining some of the highest GCSE and Sixth Form results in the country.

Innovation across all ages

Westbourne welcomes curious learners from age 2-18, right through from Little Westbourne Nursery to a world-renowned IB Sixth Form. Innovation runs through every part of the school.

Little Westbourne (age 2-4): Offering a uniquely tailored approach to the nursery years, every child benefits from a bespoke learning plan catering to their individual development. Weekly transition sessions with Westbourne Prep’s Reception Class teacher mean that the children are more confident to make the leap to primary school at age 4. Little Westbourne is currently shortlisted for Welsh Nursery of the Year (NDNA) for its exceptional provision, and last year its deeply caring, highly qualified team was recognised on a UK-wide level as Early Years Team of the Year (Pearson).

Prep School (Reception to Y5): With a sector-leading curriculum nurturing the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world, pupils develop advanced skills in coding, computer science, robotics and 3D printing, with immersive STEM study promoting hands-on, interactive learning. Over and above traditional academic subjects, there is an innovative Philosophy curriculum, and foreign languages from Year 1, as well as a dynamic outdoor learning programme promoting leadership and independence. Crucially, pupils gain the space to ask deeper questions thanks to the smallest class sizes in Cardiff & the Vale.

Senior School (Y6 to Y11): Years 6-8 are years of discovery and exploration, where pupils are introduced to more complex themes about our universe and the challenges facing humankind, ignited by talks from industry leaders. By Year 9, they have the advanced knowledge and confidence to begin GCSE study – one year earlier than other schools, offering a considerable head-start. 

At GCSE, Westbourne’s focus is not just on passing exams; it’s on developing critical thinking, communication, research and problem-solving skills to excel on the global stage.

Sixth Form: Innovation and exploration pulse through this two-year immersive experience in academic excellence, attracting the brightest minds from a broad local and global community to study the “gold standard” IB Diploma Programme. Treated as Young Professionals from Day 1, students enjoy cutting-edge careers programmes such as Future Leaders Lab in Singapore, INSEAD-led MBA-style masterclasses and Sydney exchange opportunities.

Breaking the mould

Highlights of Westbourne’s innovative practice include:

• One of the first schools in Wales to adopt AI technology, Westbourne has recently developed a proprietary 1-2-1 AI tutor, KnowVa Coach, built on the principles of socratic learning and informed by the latest neuroscience research to empower student learning. 
• The school’s groundbreaking Holographic Teacher, the central part of its Global Classroom model, brings the world’s finest teachers to Westbourne students in Penarth.
• Through a unique Global Staffroom model, teachers across the global schools can collaborate and share research and methodology, supporting them to develop and further diversify teaching practice and curriculum. 
• Robotics are used at each key stage to aid computational thinking: Sphero at KS1 and 2, Sphero Bolt at KS3 and Fable for KS4 and 5.
• 3D Printing Labs develop advanced STEM skills, and through 3D modelling students make characters for games, 3D models of geographical features for Geography and mechanical parts for Physics.
• Westbourne’s Greenpower Electric Racing car has been modelled by students from scratch.

An exhilarating co-curricular programme builds resilience, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills in pursuits including climbing, sailing, ice skating, team sports, debating, drama and Forest & Beach School.

Transforming outcomes

Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, Westbourne has seen an unprecedented improvement in results over the past 18 months – average student performance has increased by 30%, that is, 2 grades higher, in the subjects tested.

We can now support students and teachers 24/7, no matter where in the world they are, seamlessly embedding innovation in day-to-day school life. Students gain confidence and independence via AI-powered study at home, enriching their classroom learning limitlessly.