Westholme School - Westholme Senior School for Girls aged 11-16, Blackburn, Lancashire

Senior School for Girls at Wilmar Lodge

Single-sex education for girls aged 11 - 18

Welcome from the Head

The girls are ready for the challenges of Senior School in the Autumn after their 11^th birthday and by Christmas, it seems as if they have always been here! The settling in process is helped by the fact that the youngest girls have their own base, affectionately named “The Bungalow”, where they can get used to the idea of a busy school without feeling overwhelmed. The curriculum is rigorous, with girls being introduced to new subjects such as Mandarin and Ethics, Philosophy and Religion. Teachers are both passionate and highly qualified in their field, making lessons stimulating and fun. This means that learning happens with ease, but there is a support structure in place should you ever need extra help of any kind. The first place to go would always be your form tutor; the form you are in is your closest community and the tutor will get to know you really well. In addition there is a Head of Year who will also talk to you regularly and keep an eye on your progress. At Westholme, no one gets left behind or left out. The teaching and the personal care about your development are second to none.

Not all learning happens in the classroom. At Westholme we are really dedicated to bringing out the best in every individual and you may find your strengths are in something you have not even tried yet! The facilities certainly help to encourage you; our professional theatre is a big attraction for the girls with a love of the performing arts, and our newly extended Music Centre complements this side of our offer perfectly. In addition we have a suite of state of the art laboratories, and many girls have gone into highly successful science related careers, inspired by their experiences here. Sport is well catered for with our Astro-turf pitches for all weathers, and each year we have a significant range of high achieving sportswomen in many disciplines, from golf to shooting and fell running! Participation and competition have equal importance at Westholme and all the girls find something to enjoy. Creatively, you may find your passion in the Art Block or the Textiles Room where many girls are to be found designing and making their own items of clothing.

In the hours when you are not in lessons, you will doubtless be extremely busy joining in with all our numerous clubs and societies. There are too many to list, but include Debating, Engineering, Chess, Fencing, Dance, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Choir, Orchestra and several Bands. In our last Inspection, the report made specific mention that our range of extra-curricular activities was outstanding and we can only agree. In addition, you will also be given the opportunity to go on various trips and expeditions, both comfortingly close (Chester Zoo perhaps) and exotically far (the jungles of Borneo).

Westholme Senior School for Girls is a very special place. Girls emerge as polished, polite and professional young women, ready for the next phase of their lives. Come and join us!

Mrs Anne Patefield, Vice Principal

Feb 3, 2012

Sixth Form Taster Day

Year 11 get a taste of Sixth Form life