Building Our Future: Junior School’s Relocation to Browhead Campus

In response to the Government’s announcement of 20% VAT on fees for independent schools, Windermere School will be moving to one site. The move to become one school, on one site, has been in the making for several years, however, in anticipation of VAT following the result of the General Election and a determination not to compromise the school’s unique offering and experience for all pupils, the decision has been made to come together. 

The Junior School campus, on Ambleside Road, will be relocated into freshly refurbished and renovated facilities on the Senior School site. This transition is expected by January 2025, subject to the timely completion of building works. 

Governors have also announced a reduction in fees for the youngest year groups and an increase below the level of VAT for all others. 

Chair of Governors, Mr. Peter Hogan said, “In the face of this large and sudden increase in costs we are not prepared to cut back on what we offer children or compromise the quality and variety of our extra-curricular activities. At the same time, we do not want parents to have to bear the full impact of the tax.”   

Coming together on one site will maintain the enhanced educational offering for all members of the school community whilst reducing running costs. Children from Pre-School to Year 6 will benefit from age-appropriate access to all the specialist facilities currently located on the Senior School site. Access to designated, safe, and protected areas, including new play and Forest School areas will be provided, and the facilities they currently enjoy, such as the Design Technology, Music and Art, will be maintained.  

At the same time, Senior pupils will have increased opportunities to demonstrate Round Square values, such as Leadership and Service, by mentoring and supporting their younger peers. Working together on academic and co-curricular projects will promote shared learning, teamwork, and mutual respect, helping to further strengthen the family ethos our school is known for. 

Head of Windermere School, Mr. Frank Thompson said, “We are aware of the magic of our Junior School, which resides in our wonderful community of children, staff, and families, rather than the building. We will not lose sight of what makes our Junior School such an exceptional place for children to learn and grow. We are also looking forward to being together as one community on one site, with the happy sound of young children in the grounds.”

How can I ask questions about the move?  

There is an FAQ document available for parents that will be updated each Friday with new questions that come in from our community. Please send any questions you may have to wps@windermereschool.co.uk and we will do our best to answer in a timely manner. Please be aware answers will not be sent by return email but added to this document. However, our reception team will always confirm receipt of your message.

Windermere School is an Independent Boarding and Day School for ages 3-18, across Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form. The school offers holiday courses and a summer school programme, as well as short term immersion courses for international pupils, as well as an award winning IB programme. Join the adventure today >