Your kind of brilliance belongs here

Explore the UK's #1 IB Boarding School at an Open Day

Join a global community of ambitious learners.

Westbourne is ranked #1 IB School* for Results 2025 and Sunday Times Independent School of the Year 2026 – a testament to our culture of innovation and excellence.

Students from across the world choose Westbourne for a clear reason: we accelerate ambition. With small classes, personalised pathways and exceptional teaching, our students frequently score in the top 1-2% worldwide.

Driven by creativity, curiosity and future-ready thinking, Westbourne students progress to Oxbridge, Russell Group and leading US and European universities — supported by expert mentorship and a proven, high-expectations culture that develops tomorrow’s global leaders.

*Co-Ed, Boarding-Best Schools League Tables / ISA

Independent School of the Year 2026

Sunday Times Parent Power Guide

Independent School of the Year 2025

Education Technology

#1 for Results - IB Boarding School

Co-Ed, Best-Schools League Tables

A gold standard academic experience

We provide a world-class, future-ready education that builds creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving — giving students the confidence and capability to excel far beyond standard curricula.

As a leading UK boarding school, we offer the ideal environment for ambitious students who want structure, independence and the space to focus on high achievement. Our award-winning IB Diploma, A Level and GCSE programmes are strengthened by small classes, exceptional teaching and a warm boarding community that feels like a home-from-home.

Students benefit from a rich programme of academic extension and personal development — from MBA-style masterclasses with university professors to specialist mentoring, weekend activities and our Future Leaders Lab in Singapore. As one school with three global campuses in the UK, Sydney and Singapore, students also gain access to exclusive global opportunities through joint projects, cross campus visits and a connected alumni network across three continents.

Everything we do is designed to develop resilient, curious and future-ready young people who thrive within a supportive boarding environment.

'After our visit, my parents and I decided on Westbourne as it gave a very familiar and safe impression. I think Westbourne is an excellent school because I was able to receive personal attention in everything I needed to be as successful as possible in my studies. The boarding house experience left the deepest mark on me, where we lived with the most loving teachers and educators.'

Kinga, Westbourne graduate - now at Imperial College London

Take the next step. Register for our Open Day.

Our next Open Day takes place on Friday 6th March 2026, 09:30am – 11:30am. See what makes Westbourne different.

Complete the form to secure your place. Limited spaces remaining.

A member of our Admissions Team will be in touch to confirm details, and discuss scholarships and sibling discounts where relevant.

If you are unable to attend on this date, simply note this on the form and our team will be happy to arrange an alternative private visit. We look forward to welcoming you to Westbourne!

“Take the leap! The world here is far better than anything you could imagine. You have to take the leap to find out for yourself!”

Dharani, Westbourne graduate, currently reading Law at the University of Cambridge

Book your personal Westbourne tour today

#1 for Innovation - ISA Awards 2024

We’re ranked #1 in the UK for Innovation — recognised for a bold, forward-thinking approach that lifts every student’s learning. Through AI-led study tools, advanced classroom technology and live global sessions with university professors, Westbourne boarders gain an edge that prepares them for the future from day one.

Personalised learning that works

We keep class sizes deliberately small, with an average 8:1 student–staff ratio, ensuring every student gets the attention and stretch they need. At Sixth Form, teaching becomes tutorial-style — focused, discussion-led and modelled on the seminar experience they’ll encounter at top universities. This tailored approach helps our students build confidence, independence and the academic edge that sets them apart.

Building professional acumen

From GCSE to Sixth Form, Westbourne students gain far more than strong grades — they build the mindset, skills and confidence expected of future leaders. Our academic pathways are enriched with exclusive opportunities: industry workshops, university-level masterclasses, leadership programmes and tailored mentoring.

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Where you can find us

Located in beautiful Penarth, voted one of the best places to live in the UK (Sunday Times) and only 10 minutes by direct train from Cardiff, Westbourne offers the ideal balance of tranquillity, heritage, and city access.

Our safe and welcoming campus is home to a vibrant community, where students benefit from strong pastoral care, a wide range of co-curricular opportunities including access to excellent sporting facilities, and the beach just 5 minutes walk away from the boarding house

Frequently asked questions

What makes Westbourne different from other boarding schools?: Westbourne is small, elite and globally connected — with pastoral care at the centre of everything we do.

In our tight-knit boarding house, every student is known, supported and stretched.

Families choose us because we deliver outstanding academic outcomes (Top 1–2% worldwide IB results), an 8:1 class ratio and a culture of ambition — all built on a foundation of exceptional day-to-day care.

Students don’t just study here. They belong. They live in a warm, structured community with staff who guide, mentor and champion them. They gain access to MBA-style masterclasses, industry mentors and global experiences across our UK, Singapore and Sydney campuses — opportunities unique to a school of our size and global reach.

It’s an environment built for high performers who want focus, safety, challenge and the future-ready skills that set them apart.

Learn more
What grades do students need to join Westbourne?: We welcome ambitious students who are ready for pace, challenge and academic lift.

Entry is selective: we look for strong school reports, solid English and Maths proficiency and a track record of commitment and curiosity.

For entry at 14–16, students typically present secure grades across core subjects; for Sixth Form, we expect strong GCSE or equivalent results aligned with IB or A Level subject choices.

We assess each student individually — focusing on potential, attitude and readiness to thrive in a high-expectations environment.

Get in touch