Address: Coach Road, Chichester, West Susssex PO20 2BH
Website: westbournehouse.org
Founded: 1907
Pupils: 365, coed aged 2-13
Termly Fees: £5,296-£9,150, plus extra for boarding
Head Teacher: Martin Barker
Religious Affiliation: Church of England
Entrance Procedure: Non-selective
School Visits: Termly open days and individual visits available
Contact: [email protected] or 01243 782739
The Curriculum
A culture of kindness enables every child to try their best at all the enriching opportunities on offer. The school has a ‘brave, not perfect’ ethos, giving children the confidence to question, explore and challenge ideas. It is a fun, happy place where imagination roams free, friendship grows and mistakes are simply part of the adventure. This approach allows the school – a place that does not assess academics on paper at entry – to send many pupils to top senior schools, often with scholarships.
Sport & The Arts
The sport and arts curriculum is 100 percent inclusive, with passionate teachers of sport, art, drama and music helping pupils find their strengths. Facilities include a 25m pool, AstroTurf, a climbing wall, pitches, courts and a lake for canoeing. Every child is in a team and active. An exciting rotation in textiles, ceramics, robotics, art and food technology brings art to life. Five annual shows, involving every year group, give pupils the chance to shine on stage, and there are over 15 choirs, ensembles, bands and orchestras. Westbourne House was named the best independent school for music by The Week in 2021.
Pastoral Care
Kindness at Westbourne House is not just a poster on the wall – it is the foundation of how children learn, how teachers guide and how every member of the community interacts with one another. Staff nurture the whole child, building emotional intelligence, self-belief and positive overall wellbeing. Pastoral systems are proactive and there is an extensive peer mentoring programme. A dedicated social, emotional and behavioural coach provides support. In 2025, the school was a finalist in the Talk Education Awards’ Pastoral Care and Wellbeing category.
Exit Destinations
In 2025, 34 scholarships were awarded to year eight pupils for academics, music, drama, art, sport and all-round attainment to Brighton, Charterhouse, Churcher’s, Hurst, King’s Canterbury, Lancing, Portsmouth Grammar and Seaford.
Head Teacher’s Philosophy
To nurture pupils to be happy, engaged and dare to try – a philosophy I see in action every day as I walk around the school. At Westbourne House, every child flourishes when provided with inclusive, enriching opportunities and the encouragement to take risks. We don’t fast-track excellence, but rather ignite the spark that allows each child to blaze their own trail.
