Westbourne’s evolution over recent years, from a local Penarth school to a boundary-breaking global education network, with schools in the UK, Sydney, Singapore and, shortly, Mumbai, is irrefutably impressive.

Westbourne’s mission? To develop the leaders of the future in STEM and business on the world stage, powered by a deeply innovative approach. Students are empowered by global-mindedness and future-focused skills that set them apart from their peers, supported by 24/7 access to a dynamic global learning network spanning three continents.

Simply put, Westbourne is doing things like no other school, amply reflected by a host of award wins- from the Global EdTech Award for a Transformational Use of Education Technology, to ranking #1 in the Vale of Glamorgan for Results (Sunday Times) and #1 in the UK for Innovation (ISA).

All whilst maintaining some of the highest GCSE and Sixth Form results in the country.

Innovation across all ages

Westbourne welcomes curious learners from ages 2 to 18, right through from Little Westbourne Nursery to a world-renowned IB Sixth Form. Innovation runs through every part of the school.

Little Westbourne (ages 2-4)

Offering a uniquely tailored approach to the nursery years, every child benefits from a bespoke learning plan catering to their individual development. Weekly transition sessions with Westbourne Prep’s Reception Class teacher prepare them to make the leap to primary school. Little Westbourne is currently shortlisted for Welsh Nursery of the Year (NDNA) for its exceptional provision, and last year its highly-qualified team was recognised on a UK-wide level as Early Years Team of the Year (Pearson).

Prep School (Reception to Year 5)

With a sector-leading curriculum nurturing the skills, knowledge and confident to thrive in an ever-changing world, pupils develop advanced skills in coding, computer science, robotics and 3D printing, with immersive STEM study promoting hands-on, interactive learning. Over and above traditional academic subjects, there is an innovative philosophy curriculum, languages programme promoting leadership and independence. Pupils gain the space to ask deeper questions thanks to the smallest class sizes in Cardiff and the Vale.

Senior School (Years 6-11)

Years 6-8 are years of discovery, where pupils are introduced to more complex themes about our universe, ignited by talks from industry leaders. By Year 9, they have the advanced knowledge to begin GCSE study- one year earlier than other schools, offering a considerable head-start. At GCSE, Westbourne’s focus is not merely on passing exams- it’s on developing critical thinking, communication, research and problem-solving skills to excel on the global stage.

Sixth Form

Innovation and exploration pulse through this two-year immersive experience in academic excellence, attracting the brightest minds to study the “gold standard” IB Diploma Programme. Treated as young professionals, students enjoy cutting-edge careers programmes such as Future Leaders Lab in Singapore, INSEAD-led MBA-style masterclasses and Sydney exchange opportunities.

Breaking the mould

Highlights of Westbourne’s innovative practice include:

• KnowVa Coach, a 1-2-1 AI tutor built on the principles of socratic learning and informed by the latest neuroscience research to empower student learning.
• Westbourne’s groundbreaking Holographic Teacher, the central part of its Global Classroom model, brings the world’s finest teachers to students in Penarth.
• Through a unique Global Staffroom model, teachers across the global schools can collaborate and share research and methodology.
• Robotics are used at each key stage to aid computational thinking.
• 3D printing labs develop advanced STEM skills.
• Westbourne’s Greenpower Electic Racing Car has been modelled by students from scratch.
• An exhilarating co-curricular programme builds resilience, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills in pursuits including climbing, sailing, ice skating, team sports, debating, drama and Forest & Beach School.

Transforming outcomes

Through cutting-edge innovation, Westbourne has seen an unprecedented improvement in results over the past 18 months. Average student performance has increased by 30%, that is, 2 grades higher, in the subjects tested.