Founded in 1923, Westholme is an independent school for boys and girls aged 3–18, comprising Prep, Seniors and Sixth Form.
At Westholme, every child is known for who they are: their strengths, interests, ambitions, character and potential. There is no typical Westholme pupil and no single definition of success. Through academic challenge, individual support and an exceptional breadth of opportunity, we help each young person to discover what they are capable of and to develop the confidence to pursue their own path.
Academic. Academic learning is at the heart of a Westholme education, supported by excellent teaching and a broad, ambitious curriculum.
From Reception to the Upper Sixth, committed and experienced teachers take the time to understand how each pupil learns. The right balance of support and challenge enables children to build strong foundations, explore ideas with confidence and fulfil their individual academic potential.
Our pupils achieve excellent A level results and progress to a wide variety of exciting destinations. Many continue to university, including highly competitive institutions and courses, while a growing number secure prestigious degree apprenticeships with leading employers.
For us, however, education is about more than examination results. We want every pupil to leave Westholme as a curious and independent learner, equipped with the confidence, resilience and skills to thrive in a 21st-century world.
Opportunity and personal development. A child may not yet know what they are capable of. At Westholme, opportunity is an essential part of their education.
Our extensive co-curricular programme gives pupils the freedom to try something new, develop existing talents and discover interests they may carry with them for life. Through sport, performing arts, leadership, technology and many other activities, pupils learn to communicate, collaborate, solve problems and respond positively to challenges.
They are encouraged to have a go, learn from setbacks and celebrate the achievements of others. These experiences help children to develop their character, friendships and confidence as well as the essential skills they will need beyond school.
Performing Arts and Sport. The Performing Arts are a special feature of Westholme life. Pupils can sing in school choirs, learn a string, brass or woodwind instrument, and perform in orchestras and ensembles.
Drama opportunities range from spectacular full-scale musicals and in-the-round productions to clubs and House competitions. Pupils can also explore the creative and technical aspects of performance, including costume and make-up design.
Sport provides another important setting in which pupils discover their strengths. Every child is encouraged to participate, develop their skills and experience the value of teamwork. Those with particular sporting ambitions are supported to pursue excellence, with Westholme enjoying success in hockey, football, netball, athletics and swimming.
Whatever a pupil’s starting point, the focus is on helping them to grow in confidence, to develop a passion and to experience the joy of contributing to something larger than themselves.
Pastoral care. Children flourish when they feel happy, understood and secure. Pastoral care therefore surrounds every aspect of a Westholme education.
We take the time to know each child as an individual and ensure that the right support, encouragement and challenge are in place. Close relationships between pupils and staff help us to recognise when a child is thriving and when they may need additional guidance.
Westholme’s guiding principles, Work Hard and Be Kind, reflect the young people we seek to develop: ambitious enough to aim high, confident enough to have a go, resilient enough to overcome setbacks and kind enough to support those around them.
We believe that happiness and ambition should go together. Our pupils are encouraged to enjoy school, build meaningful friendships and take responsibility for themselves and others. They leave us prepared not only to navigate an exciting and challenging world, but also to make a positive contribution to it.
Environment. Westholme is set within the Lancashire countryside at Pleasington, on the edge of Blackburn and the Ribble Valley. With Prep, Seniors and the Sixth Form located on one site, pupils benefit from a connected educational journey from the age of 3 to 18.
Our facilities are not simply impressive spaces; they allow pupils to explore more of what interests and inspires them. These include a 550-seat professional theatre, a dedicated Music Department, seven modern Science laboratories, a swimming pool, sports courts and pitches, a floodlit Astroturf, sports hall, strength and conditioning gym, and an open-access Learning Resource Centre.
The Sixth Form has its own dedicated area, including a common room, computer workstations and café, giving students greater independence while allowing them to remain part of the wider Westholme community.
Prep. Westholme Prep gives children the confidence and foundations to take their next steps with enthusiasm.
Within a warm and nurturing environment, every child is encouraged to be curious, ask questions and develop a genuine love of learning. Teachers get to know each pupil well, enabling them to recognise individual strengths, provide support where it is needed and introduce the right level of challenge.
Children benefit from a broad range of academic and co-curricular experiences, helping them to develop their interests, independence and self-belief. By the time they progress into Seniors, they are articulate, confident and kind young people who are ready for the opportunities ahead.
Seniors. Senior pupils are supported through an important period of academic and personal growth.
A broad and rigorous curriculum encourages intellectual curiosity, while individual guidance helps each pupil make progress from their own starting point. Teachers, form tutors and Heads of Year work closely together to monitor academic development and wellbeing, supported by a strong partnership with parents.
Beyond the classroom, pupils are encouraged to try new activities, take on responsibility and discover where their talents lie. They develop as independent learners and confident young people without losing the kindness and sense of community that characterise Westholme.
Many pupils continue into the Sixth Form, providing continuity at an important stage of their education.
INSPIRED Sixth Form. There is no single route to success, which is why every student’s INSPIRED Sixth Form journey is personal.
Students receive individual guidance throughout their two years, helping them to make informed decisions, remain motivated and work towards aspirations that are meaningful to them. Academic study is complemented by leadership, enrichment and careers education, developing the independence, confidence and workplace skills needed for life after school.
Our nationally recognised careers provision helps students to explore university, degree apprenticeship and employment pathways. Westholme students progress to a wide range of competitive destinations, including leading universities, specialist courses and prestigious degree apprenticeships.
Whatever their chosen route, students leave as well-rounded young adults with the self-belief, character and friendships to carry them forward.
Admissions. Families most commonly join Westholme in Pre-Pre, Reception, Year 7 or Year 12, although applications for other year groups are welcomed throughout the academic year at any age or stage, subject to the availability of places.
Choosing a school is a significant decision, and we want families to experience Westholme for themselves. Prospective parents and pupils are warmly invited to attend an Open Event or arrange an individual visit to meet members of our team and tour the school.
Due to demand for places, families are encouraged to apply early by completing the online registration form.
Tours, visits and expeditions. Educational experiences beyond the school grounds allow pupils to encounter different cultures, develop their independence and create lasting memories.
Westholme pupils can take part in a variety of UK and overseas visits. Recent opportunities have included sports tours to Lisbon, ski trips, a World Challenge expedition to Norway and Costa Rica and drama performances at Disneyland Paris.
These experiences encourage pupils to step beyond their comfort zones, strengthen friendships and discover more about themselves and the wider world.
The Westholme Association. The Westholme Association brings parents together to organise events, strengthen the school community and raise funds to enhance pupils’ experiences.
Parents are warmly invited to become involved and contribute in whatever way works for them.
Transport. Westholme’s transport network helps make the school accessible to families across Lancashire. Private coach services operate across a wide range of areas, including Accrington, Blackburn, Bolton, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe, Colne, Fence, Gisburn, Leyland, Longridge, Preston, the Ribble Valley and South Ribble.
Families are encouraged to contact the Admissions Team for the latest information about routes and collection points.
Fees. Please visit the school website or contact the Admissions Team via 01254 506088 for current information about school fees and what is included.
Scholarships and bursaries. Westholme is committed to recognising and nurturing individual talent.
Academic scholarships are available for entry into Years 7 and 12, with additional scholarships available in Performing Arts and Sport. Means-tested bursary support may also be available to eligible families.
Further information about eligibility, assessment and applications is available from the Admissions Team.
Charitable status. Westholme School is a registered charity, number 526615. It exists to advance the education of children and young people between the ages of 3 and 18.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Chairman: Mr J Backhouse, LLB Hons
Vice Chairman: Mr D J Berry, BA, FCMA, MIBM
Mrs E Barker
Mrs J Conlon, BSc Hons, MRICS
Ms H Crosby, ACA, BSc Hons
Dr R Dobrashian, MBChB, FRCR
Mr M Hindle
Mr O McCann, BA Hons
Mrs D Northin, B Ed Bath, NPQH
Mr N Oldham, BA Hons, PGCE, SEND Dip, NPQH, PGDIP (Education Leadership)
Clerk to the Governors: Mr B C Marsden, FC
Principal: Mr Paul Taylor, BA Hons, PGCE, NPQH
Commercial Director: Mrs Vivienne Davenport, MA Oxon
Deputy Head (Academic): Mrs Louise Cowan, BA Hons, PGCE
Head of Prep: Mrs Carla Hornby, BSc Hons
Deputy Head of Prep: Mrs Judith Dixon, BA Hons, QTS
Head of Sixth Form: Mr Jonathan Oracz, BA Hons, PGCE