“Fizzing with energy” Westonbirt School receives a glowing review in Tatler Schools Guide 2024

Earlier this month, the 20th annual edition of the prestigious Tatler Schools Guides 2024 was published and Westonbirt School received a great review.

Every year, the Tatler team shortlist 300 independent schools, travel 2000 miles to tour them and send out and receive responses to nearly 2500 questionnaires from pupils, parents and the schools themselves. It’s a great achievement to be featured in the Guide. Tatler’s Education Editor, Tori Cadogan, says that “Tatler schools offer so much more than exam results. Their pupils receive a holistic education with character development through collaboration, endeavour, leadership and creativity.”

Here is the review of the School reproduced in full:

“The approach to the Victorian mansion in which the main school is housed is majestic: a sweeping driveway, lined with mature cedars. But Westonbirt is described by one parent as ‘very down to earth and refreshingly modest, despite the grand setting’. This well-grounded seat of learning, which is ‘fizzing with energy,’ works hard to instill good character in its charges – with an emphasis on kindness, thoughtfulness and commitment – and it turns out enthusiastic young adults who go on to study a host of different subjects at such Russell Group universities as Nottingham and Exeter. The teaching staff have an ability to ‘stretch the brightest, but also support those with academic challenges,’ which means they attract a ‘broad spectrum.’ Inspiring lacrosse coach Pete Wilson, who ‘brings joy and laughter’ to training and matches, ‘has the girls all smiling and radiating positivity and love for the game.’ {The method clearly works: the 1st team reached the last 16 of the 2023 National Schools Lacrosse Championships.) And steering the ship is ‘incredible’ head Natasha Dangerfield, who is credited by many parents as the reason for choosing it in the first place and under whom it has pushed every boundary. One parent tells us that Dangerfield has ‘invested in new facilities and made Westonbirt buzz with life and possibility.’ With waiting lists for the main entry points at Years 7,9 and 12, it’s certainly one to watch.”