Withington Girls’ School

Withington Girls’ School is a leading day school for girls aged 7 – 18 in which some of the best academic results in the country are attained within a lively, happy and caring environment.

The School is unusual in not awarding academic prizes – at Withington the pleasure of learning is its own reward, an ethos which removes academic competition, creating an atmosphere where pupils benefit from the power of teamwork and co-operation, enabling all to excel.

The culture of respect, a genuine interest the pupils have in each other and the desire to see everyone do their best enables pupils to aim high, participate freely and thrive both inside and outside the classroom through a dynamic extra-curricular programme. This highly collaborative environment is consistently praised by pupils who value the support they receive throughout their time at Withington – not only from teachers but from their own peer group too.

Withington was founded in 1890 by a small group of eminent and far-sighted Manchester families who wanted the same educational opportunities to be available for their daughters as were already available to their sons. In keeping with the Founders’ wishes, the School has remained relatively small, with approximately 725 pupils: 155 in the Junior School (Years 3 – 6), 405 in the Senior School and 165 in the Sixth Form.

This size allows a friendly, intimate environment together with a broad and balanced curriculum. The School functions in an atmosphere of respect for self, respect for others and personal responsibility without the need for long lists of rules and regulations.

Academic excellence is a hallmark of a Withington education and results in A Level and GCSE examinations have seen Withington ranked consistently as the top independent school in the North West of England and amongst the top schools nationally, ranking 21st in 2019.

The girls thrive in a friendly and caring environment; they have – and provide – a lot of fun and leave to take up their higher education places personally, socially and academically prepared for the next exciting phase of their lives. Withington alumnae are outward-looking, have a strong sense of social responsibility and are known for setting out to make a positive difference in the world.

Withington pupils come from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire and beyond – we value individuality, celebrate diversity and enjoy a remarkably cohesive community with a strong sense of shared purpose.

Essentials

  • Head Sarah Haslam
  • Sarah Haslam
  • Age range 7 - 18
  • Day / Boarding Day
  • Religious affiliation None
  • Exams
  • 14+ GCSE
  • 16+ A Level, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
  • Fees (per term) September 2019 - August 2020
  • Prep/Junior School
    • £3,160 per term
  • Senior School
    • £4,211 per term
  • Sixth Form
    • £4,211 per term
  • Find out more about fees >
  • Exams
    • Exams
    • 14+ GCSE
    • 16+ A Level, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
  • Fees (per term)
    • Fees (per term) September 2019 - August 2020
    • Prep/Junior School
      • £3,160 per term
    • Senior School
      • £4,211 per term
    • Sixth Form
      • £4,211 per term
    • Find out more about fees >

Bursaries & Scholarships

In accordance with its founding principles, Withington does not offer scholarships but is proud to provide means-tested financial support to more than one in six of our pupils from Year 5 upwards.

It is, and always has been, fundamental to our School that we extend the opportunity of a Withington education to all girls who will benefit from it, irrespective of their financial circumstances.

The School offers a number of means-tested bursaries each year to pupils in the Senior School and Sixth Form. Since September 2015, bursaries have also been made available for Junior girls in Years 5 and 6.

Bursaries range from 10% to 100% of the annual fee, dependent upon parents’ overall financial circumstances. Additional assistance may also be available to parents who are offered a 100% bursary with the cost of uniform, music lessons and school trips.

Bursaries may also be provided to parents who need financial support at other times during their daughter’s period at the School. This may occur due to redundancy, long-term illness or other personal reasons.

While the School is able to access support from various charities for means-tested bursaries, the main source of Bursary funding comes from donations by individuals and organisations, who believe that a Withington education should be possible for all girls who may benefit from it. Additionally, a 4% levy on Senior School fees is transferred to the WGS Trust [Charity Number 505207] to support the Bursary Fund.

Find out more >
Scholarships & Bursaries offered
  • Bursaries for new entrants
  • Hardship awards for existing pupils
  • Sibling discounts

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Disclaimer: Data is provided by the school, the GSA is not responsible for inaccuracies.

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