Search

Welcome Rendcomb College Parents and Students

We would like to extend our sympathies to the whole Rendcomb College community at what must be a very difficult time for everyone. We stand ready to support you and set out below a package to ease the transition should you choose us as the right next step for your child. 

Westonbirt is a thriving community. We are an all-through Nursery, Prep, and Senior day and boarding school near Tetbury, just 35-minutes from Rendcomb. Fully co-educational, with around 800 pupils on campus, we combine a small, friendly feel where every child is truly known with the scale to offer true breadth of experience. We think you will recognise many of the characteristics you cherish about Rendcomb College here. 

We are driven by an unshakeable commitment to enabling young people to flourish and thrive in all aspects of their lives. We believe in nurturing individuals who grow up knowing their own worth and the positive impact that they can make. We are guided by a deep belief in the endless potential of every child, which underpins our pursuit of excellence and the high expectations that we have of them. 

Westonbirt is a community bound by shared values and a fierce sense of loyalty. We aim to develop young people who are compassionate and courageous, ready not only for university or the next stage of their education, but for exciting, fulfilling and productive lives well beyond their school years. While we are proud of the outcomes our pupils achieve, we measure our success by the stories they create and the good they go on to do in the world.  

If our vision and commitment to young people inspires and excites you then please do come and visit us. A warm welcome in the most beautiful setting awaits you. 

Our commitment to you

  • Smooth transition – we will offer a swift and easy admissions process that will help you secure your child a place with the minimum of stress;
  • Fees – we will match fees currently being paid, honouring scholarships and bursaries;
  • Uniform – we will gift you a voucher towards the cost of new uniform at your chosen school;
  • Devices – we will provide a personal device for students in Year 4 and above;
  • Transport – our large fleet of buses cover much of the Rendcomb catchment and if additional routes or stops are required, we will arrange these;
  • Visas & Agents – for international students, we will take care of all the paperwork to transfer your visa across and agents will receive their full commission.

Information for pupils currently in:

Westonbirt Prep offers co-ed learning from 2 to 11 years. Immersed in a culture that promotes a love of learning, children are encouraged to be curious, creative and courageous. Teaching at our school is delivered by a team of talented, enthusiastic staff who are ambitious for every child and passionate about sharing their love of learning. Specialist teaching is woven into our curriculum from the very earliest years, beginning in Nursery with PE, games, Forest School, music, swimming and French. As children progress through the school, this specialist approach continues to grow, and by Prep they also benefit from expert teaching in subjects such as computing, STEM, science, art and drama. This breadth of specialist provision ensures lessons are engaging, inspiring and carefully tailored to develop confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.  Our Personalised Learning Pathways (PLP) really sets Westonbirt Prep apart, giving pupils a truly individualised curriculum. This bespoke programme delivers daily sessions tailored to every child from Year 3, supporting children where they need extra time, enriching their learning with new experiences and challenging them to stretch themselves in subjects where they excel.  

An exciting development to create two new prep school buildings is almost complete and will open this spring, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to providing an exceptional educational environment for our pupils. New state-of-the-art facilities include six bright and spacious pre-prep classrooms, a new school hall and kitchen, modern play equipment, and a welcoming new entrance.  

As children reach the end of Year 6, they move on to the Senior School with confidence, supported by a smooth and carefully planned transition on a familiar site. Strong links between the Prep and Senior Schools allow us to continue tracking and celebrating their progress in meaningful ways, from seeing them perform in school productions and greeting them as they pass across campus, to welcoming them back as helpers in the Prep School as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. These ongoing connections mean we continue to enjoy contact with our pupils as their journey through Westonbirt unfolds, reinforcing a strong sense of community and belonging. 

As pupils make their first steps into Senior School, the focus is on expanding horizons, trying out new areas of interest and learning and finding things to fascinate and spark lifelong interests. Class sizes are small, enthusiastic staff are ambitious for their students, and a strong sense of community ensures pupils feel supported and valued. Here, success is celebrated and talent nurtured. 

Highlights include: 

  • A personalised education, with small classes and a supportive community where every student is known. 
  • A broad, inspiring curriculum enriched by over 180 co-curricular options 
  • Space to grow, set within beautiful parkland with facilities including a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool and sports centre. 
  • Creative expression for all, with extensive opportunities in art, music and drama. 
  • Leadership and adventure, through Duke of Edinburgh, CCF and dedicated programmes in school and beyond. 

For pupils in Year 6 

Our Year 7 entry process is underway. We are due to host our assessment and scholarship days on 26, 27 and 30 January, but don't worry - we will be adding extra sessions for Rendcomb pupils to allow families to get to know the school before putting their children forward. The first step is to come and see us.  

We have a careful programme planned between now and September to ensure that all those joining the school in Year 7 are welcomed, have the time to build friendships and prepare for the step up to senior school. About half of our Year 7 intake come from schools other than Westonbirt Prep, so there will be plenty of others in the same position.

During these critical years, students choose and then work towards their GCSEs. Around the core curriculum of Maths, English and Sciences, students can pick from a diverse range of options that broadens their learning experience and allows them to pursue their passions. Guided by tutors, students find the best blend for their interests, setting them on the right road to achieve their ambitions. 

Families are welcome to join us at our GCSE Options Evening on 26 January (see details below). Our hugely enthusiastic subject specialists will be pitching their particular area of expertise, and hoping to convert more students to take their subject. 

At whatever point your child is on their route to GCSEs, we are able to help. There is crossover between the subjects offered at Rendcomb College and here, and where there are differences in syllabus, we are committed to ensuring your child is fully supported to take their exams with confidence. 

Students currently in Year 10  

To avoid any unnecessary disruption, we recommend an early discussion to quickly identify how we can best support the continuation of your programme of study. Our broad range of subjects means that we will be able to find a plan that works for you. In some cases, the courses or exam boards we run will be different from those currently in place. Where this is the case, we will plan a bespoke package of support to plug any gaps. 

Westonbirt's Sixth Form is all about spreading your wings, seeing your potential and going for it. We offer a broad curriculum, with over 20 A level options, as well as the EPQs and a number of alternative qualifications. Class sizes are small, and you’ll work closely with specialist teachers, supporting you to achieve your best. Through personalised guidance, skills development, and opportunities for leadership and global experiences, we will help you build a strong foundation for a fulfilling and successful future.  

We offer an extensive range of activities that complement academic learning while developing essential life skills. With over 180 co-curricular options each term – spanning creative and performing arts, sport, STEM, community service and programmes such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and CCF – there is something for every interest.  

Details of our Sixth Form options can be found here. 

Students currently in Year 11 

Now is the time to provisionally select your Sixth Form options. We would be delighted to discuss these with you and advise on suitable selections and combinations, taking into account your longer-term aims. 

Students currently in Year 12 

To avoid any unnecessary disruption, we recommend an early discussion to quickly identify how we can best support the continuation of your programme of study. Our broad range of subjects means that we will be able to find a plan that works for you. In some cases, the courses or exam boards we run will be different from those currently in place. Where this is the case, we will plan a bespoke package of support to plug any gaps. 

The Westonbirt boarding community is a happy and flourishing one, giving students from the UK and overseas a lively home-from-home. We have created colourful and interesting spaces, where our boarders love to hang out, study, unwind and build friendships. Our boarders enjoy access to the school's extensive facilites, exciting trips and activites, and grow in confidence and independence, building the life skills that will help them when they head off to university. 

Information for International Families & Agents 

We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for international students, recognising the particular impact of a change for pupils who are away from home.  

Our visa processing partner, Holmes & Partners, will provide a full support service to ensure a successful application to transfer the visa. 

We will ensure agents are treated fairly, with full fees payable in line with our standard rates for new students. Agents are invited to contact Matt Simmonite, Director of International Recruitment.

Getting to Westonbirt

There are currently nine bus routes serving Westonbirt School and Westonbirt Prep, covering a wide geographical area, incorporating stops in: Swindon; Cirencester; Kemble; Crudwell; Malmesbury; Painswick; Stroud; Stonehouse; Nailsworth; Royal Wootton Bassett; Great Somerford; Lea; Marshfield; Acton Turville; Sherston; Calne; Sutton Benger; Corsham; Chippenham; Grittleton; Bussage; Minchinhampton; Tockington and Wotton-under-Edge.

Routes are reviewed regularly and we will always aim to add additional stops and routes to meet demand. If your home is not currently part of our network, please do ask – we may be able to help.

Next steps 

We will be holding a series of events over the coming week to give you an opportunity to get to know Westonbirt: 

Informal visit and meet the leadership team, Saturday 24th January 10am-12pm. All year groups. 

An opportunity for parents to have a preliminary discussion with members of the senior team about Westonbirt school and to have any initial questions or concerns addressed

GCSE Options Evening, Monday 26th January, 5pm. For current Y9 and Y10 pupils. 

We understand that each school will have a slightly different approach to GCSE options. Join us on Monday 26th January to find out about our academic programme and the wealth of opportunities beyond the curriculum also. Rendcomb families are invited to join at 5pm to speak to senior staff and find out about the school ahead of the main presentation at 6pm. For those currently in Year 10, there will also be an opportunity to discuss how we can accommodate your current subject choices.

Sixth Form Information Evening, Tuesday 27th January, 6pm. For current Y11 and Y12 pupils. 

The evening will provide an opportunity to find out about our academic offer, opportunities beyond the curriculum and the structured university / futures guidance in place. For those currently in Year 12, there will also be an opportunity to find out about the measures we will take to ensure a smooth transition into Westonbirt Sixth Form

Online information session for international families, Wednesday 28th January, 12pm.  

We are mindful of the fact that some of Rendcomb’s families live abroad and will be unable to make it to our in-person events. We are offering an opportunity for all such parents to hear from us online in a meeting scheduled to work for most time zones. We are of course happy to arrange individual online meetings for all such parents also. 

Schools Fair at Rendcomb College, Friday 30th January 1pm-6pm

Our leadership team will be in attendance to answer any queries you might have about any aspect of the school’s provision and plans in place to support Rendcomb families.

 

You can book into any of these events, request a private tour or make an enquiry by:

 

Admissions Process

We will arrange a personal visit at a time that suits you. You are welcome to come alone or with friends, and with or without your children. You’ll meet the team and some of our current students, to get an authentic insight into daily life at Westonbirt. 

If you would like to proceed following your visit, we will ask you to register, and invite your child to a taster and assessment day. Again, this can be arranged with friends. 

After a successful taster day and entry assessment, we’ll send you an offer and help you to complete the paperwork. 

If you have any further questions, please do get in touch. We will be very happy to support you in any way we can. 

About Wishford Education 

Wishford Education is a group of 11 schools across the south of England. Local to Rendcomb College are Westonbirt School, Cricklade Manor Prep and Hatherop Castle School. Each has its own character, but they share a core ethos, providing high-quality learning, outstanding opportunities and a happy, caring environment in which children achieve amazing things. 

Having planned carefully for the changes which have impacted the independent schools sector in recent years, the group is secure and well positioned, with a strong balance sheet, an agile governance and leadership structure, and access to significant capital. 

For more information, please visit www.wishford.co.ukÂ