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• Location: Blackburn, Lancashire, England,
• Year founded: 1923,
• Number of students: approximately 770,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of education: mixed.

Westholme School — an independent school for children aged 3 to 18, offering high-quality programs of comprehensive development: from the nursery department to Sixth Form.

The institution began its history in 1923, at a time when education in the county of Lancashire was going through difficult times: the number of job vacancies in schools was rapidly declining, and new teachers were not being hired to replace those who had left due to a lack of funding. Westholme School was founded by two women who had been unable to find employment as teachers in local institutions and therefore decided to establish their own school. Despite the ongoing difficulties in the field of education, Westholme School flourished even during wartime: it acquired its own campus, sought accreditation for its senior programs, and gained ever-growing trust and affection from its pupils. In 2023, the institution celebrated its 100th anniversary: over the course of its existence, the school has undergone several major expansions, obtained the necessary accreditations, and introduced a wide range of additional extracurricular development programs for students. Today, Westholme School educates around 770 students, placing emphasis on identifying individual talents, effective academic preparation, and developing key skills for success in both future university studies and professional careers.

A vibrant and varied extracurricular development program excellently complements the academic experience of students of all ages: many creative and sports groups participate in away competitions and contests, gaining the opportunity to explore the region, visit other countries, and earn prestigious awards and educational funding (through scholarships and other formats).

For each age stage of students, additional support measures have been prepared that expand the educational experience and help acquire new knowledge and skills. Thus, students in the preschool and junior departments spend a lot of time in safe outdoor areas, where they explore the world around them, learn safety rules and responsible attitudes toward nature, and practice teamwork and collective decision-making. For middle and senior classes, additional subject electives are available, as well as:

• The Oxbridge Programme, supporting those wishing to apply to the University of Cambridge or University of Oxford: during seminars, students learn about the application process, requirements, and competitive advantages that will help them secure a place in their desired academic discipline,
• The Medical Society, created for students wishing to pursue an academic path at universities in the medical, veterinary, and dental fields. Scientific seminars and lectures will broaden horizons and provide information about admission requirements,
• Qualification in British Sign Language and deaf awareness — an addition to applicants' portfolios and an opportunity to gain experience working with people with disabilities. Students collaborate with specialists from the Deafway organisation, learning sign language and ways to support people with hearing impairments,
• The «Fine Cuisine» Diploma — an elective with a graduation certificate, designed for those who would like to build a career in cooking, baking, or food technology,
• The Duke of Edinburgh's Award — an international programme with several categories, each of which serves as a competitive advantage when applying to any university. Students focus on social activity, sport, creativity, and science to showcase their talents and earn awards,
• The «Junior Class Teacher Assistants» Programme, which allows students to become mentors for junior department pupils and gain valuable experience in the field of pedagogy, while developing communication and leadership skills.

The academic system of Westholme School consists of a cycle of secondary education departments:

• Pre-Prep — 3-4 years,
• Prep School — 5-11 years,
• Senior School — 12-16 years,
• Sixth Form — 16-18 years.

The school does not provide accommodation during the study period.

During the school week, a large dining hall is in operation, serving dishes from national and international cuisines. Students receive balanced three-course lunches, can choose their preferred options from the menu, or request alternative dishes in accordance with their dietary requirements.

Extracurricular development of students is on the same level as high-quality academic preparation: most pupils find a section or club of interest, participate in creative and sports groups, developing important personal and social skills.

Performing arts are included in the curricula of all grades and taught as an elective to give students the opportunity to expand their skills. First-class theatrical facilities allow students to develop skills in acting, musical performance, public speaking, dance, choral and orchestral performances. The music program is available at a near-professional level — students attend LAMDA lessons leading to concerts and performances of international caliber.

Sport, just like the performing arts, plays an important role in the life of students. Starting from preparatory groups, all students participate in team, paired and individual sports:

• Tennis,
• Basketball,
• Netball,
• Cricket,
• Athletics,
• Swimming and others.

Competitive sports sections are complemented by amateur associations, which are part of the interest clubs. Clubs are created by students, supported by the Senior Student Council, and help find new hobbies and develop talent among like-minded peers. Some of the popular communities:

• Academic: literature, criminology, geography, law, philosophy, psychology,
• Performing arts: flute, guitar, junior choir, theatre technology, wind band,
• Sports: cross-country, women's football, badminton, hockey, rugby, weightlifting (for senior students),
• Community activities: botany and gardening,
• Communication skills: school magazine, English-language council, debating,
• Creative arts: ceramics, costume and sewing, design and technology, craft, graphics,
• Games: board games, esports, origami, puzzles,
• Life skills: food technology, mindfulness, career education.

• Accredited full-cycle secondary education programs: from pre-school groups to graduating Year 13,
• Excellent exam results: 59% of sixth-form students receive A*–B grades at A-Level, 82% of students earn grades 9–5 in GCSE exams,
• Graduates continue their studies at universities around the world,
• Emphasis on individual attention, supported by small study groups,
• A diverse extracurricular development programme.

The academic grounds of Westholme School are located in the heart of Lancashire county and include several large academic buildings, each focused on students of a specific age, administrative blocks, and full-scale sports facilities.

Each academic department, whether pre-school or senior, is equipped with specialized rooms: classrooms, laboratories and studios, and workshops. The youngest pupils have a wide range of materials available for exploring the world around them and developing creative talents, while students in junior, middle, and senior years gain access to new technologies, modern computer equipment, an extensive library, and other resources.

Westholme School's sports facilities include:

• A full-size all-weather artificial AstroTurf pitch,
• Hard-surface courts for netball and tennis,
• A full-size football pitch,
• An athletics track,
• An indoor sports hall,
• A 20-metre swimming pool.

Westholme School has its own minibuses serving 10 routes covering the surrounding residential areas. The minibuses transport pupils to and from school and are also used for excursions.

Studies at Westholme School are organized by trimesters:

• Autumn: September–December,
• Spring: January–March,
• Summer: April–July.

Classes are held Monday through Friday; weekends, national and international holidays, and seasonal breaks are days off. Clubs, sports sections, competitive and cultural events, and excursions take place after school or on one of the weekend days.

Approximate list of additional expenses:

• Registration and administrative fees,
• Meals,
• Extended school day for younger students,
• Textbooks, personal study materials, school uniform,
• Individual lessons,
• Some extracurricular activities, including LAMDA lessons,
• Personal expenses.

Before submitting an application, families of applicants are invited to attend an introductory campus tour or an online meeting with school representatives, where parents can learn more about the educational approaches, curriculum, and extracurricular opportunities. The next step is completing a registration form, submitting the required documents, and paying the enrollment fees. After reviewing the application, the admissions committee invites candidates for an interview and placement tests in English and mathematics, and based on the results of this stage, students are enrolled in the appropriate group.

Outstanding academic preparation and comprehensive development help students achieve excellent results in GCSE and A-Level exams, which in turn allow them to continue their education at leading colleges and universities around the world. In recent years, graduates of Westholme School have been admitted to universities such as:

• University of Glasgow,
• Durham University,
• University of Liverpool,
• University of Manchester,
• Imperial College London,
• University of York,
• Leeds Beckett University,
• University of Exeter,
• University of Nottingham,
• Manchester Metropolitan University.

To apply to Westholme School, applicants must provide:

• Personal documents: the child's identity document, parents' or guardians' documents, medical certificates and insurance. For studying in England, foreign applicants will need a visa or residence permit,
• Academic transcripts for the last two academic years,
• Individual achievements, any special characteristics and needs if applicable.

Teaching is conducted in English, so the prospective student needs a sufficiently good level of the language if they are enrolling in middle or senior classes.

Westholme School annually awards dozens of scholarships, rewarding students from Year 7 and above for outstanding achievements in the following areas:

• Academic studies,
• Music,
• Sport,
• Performing Arts,
• Dance.

Sixth Form students have access to the INSPIRED scholarship, covering 25% of the cost of education in Years 12 and 13, which is awarded for maintaining high academic grades.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision