I am delighted to introduce you and your family to Westbourne House School.
My philosophy comes alive as I walk around the school: I see pupils who are happy, engaged and who dare to try.
As a school, we believe that ‘every child can’ when provided with inclusive, enriching opportunities and the support they need.
We don’t fast track excellence, but preserve the spark and encourage children to blaze their own trail.
When you visit, you will discover that Westbourne House is a very special place for children to grow up. Our teachers are inventive, fun and keen to share their enthusiasm for their subjects and understand what makes each child tick, their concerns and dreams.
The children are invigorated by the wonderful sense of freedom in our beautiful 100-acre site in Chichester and the broad and stimulating curriculum, which combine to make each day an adventure.
We encourage and champion kindness and, regardless of age, new pupils, both day and boarding, quickly feel settled, happy and appreciated for who they are. It is this culture of kindness which enables every child to try their best at all the enriching opportunities on offer.
We encourage a “brave, not perfect” ethos, giving children the confidence to question, explore and challenge ideas. Through each enriching experience – a visit to the beach, a close cricket match, meeting an author, experiments in science, art in the woods, drama performance or concert – pupils expand their interests, follow their passions and, by doing so, develop humility and self-confidence.
As parents, you will also have the whole-hearted support and commitment of me and my team – from your first day to your last. And, however far away your next school choice might now feel, as parents ourselves, my wife Helen and I know how important it is for happy, thriving children to move onto senior schools where they will be equally happy and fulfilled. It is a personal mission to make sure this is the case and our pupils head to a wide range of senior schools, such as Brighton, Canford, Eton, Hurstpierpoint, Lancing, Portsmouth Grammar School, Seaford and Wellington amongst others.
I am very proud of Westbourne House and it is a great privilege to lead such an outstanding team. We would love to show you around so you can experience the special atmosphere at Westbourne House for yourself.
Martin Barker