St Swithun’s School Review – Rankings, Fees, And More

St Swithun’s School has earned attention for its academic performance, diverse extracurricular programmes, and well-rounded student experience. This review explores the school’s rankings, fees, and other key details to help families make informed decisions. By examining factual insights and practical considerations, this overview offers a clear picture of what to expect from one of the UK’s notable educational institutions.

St Swithun's School Review

Table of Contents

St Swithun's School Summary

  • Age range: 3-18
  • Type: Girls school
  • Pupils: 515
  • Boarders: 42%
  • Fees: (Senior school, Full Boarding) £16,732.80 per term; (Day) £9,901.20 per term
  • 2024 GCSE Results: 79% 9-7
  • 2024 A Level Results: 69% A*-A

St Swithun's School Overview

St Swithun’s School, located in Winchester, Hampshire, is an independent day, weekly, and full-boarding school for girls, named after Saint Swithun, the patron saint of Winchester Cathedral. Founded 135 years ago, the school is built on the values of its motto—Caritas, Humilitas, Sinceritas (Charity, Humility, Sincerity)—and aims to nurture strong, independent women. With a focus on academic achievement, personal growth, and community spirit, St Swithun’s encourages students to engage in fundraising, community work, and global awareness. The school’s mission is to cultivate compassion, courage, and commitment, equipping its pupils with a moral compass, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

St Swithun's School Courses

St Swithun’s School offers a well-rounded curriculum across its Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form levels. In the Prep School, pupils engage in a broad range of subjects designed to spark curiosity, build foundational knowledge, and encourage independent thinking. The curriculum fosters confidence and growth through a balance of academics, creative activities, and personal development.

At the Senior School, students undertake GCSE courses with compulsory subjects like English, Mathematics, and at least two sciences, as well as a modern foreign language, with options including French, German, and Spanish, ensuring a strong foundation for the Sixth Form and beyond.

In the Sixth Form, students have the freedom to choose A-Level subjects tailored to their interests and career aspirations. This flexibility allows them to explore their passions while preparing for higher education and beyond. The structure ensures that all students receive the support needed to achieve academic success and personal growth.

St Swithun's School Fees

St Swithun’s School has updated its fee structure following the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) from January 1, 2025. For the spring and summer terms of 2025, the revised fees are:

  • Senior School (Years 7-13):

    • Boarding Students: £16,732.80 per term
    • Day Students: £9,901.20 per term

  • Prep School:

    • Preschool (All day): £4,679 per term
    • Reception, Years 1 and 2: £5,146.80 per term
    • Year 3: £6,890.40 per term
    • Years 4, 5, and 6: £6,990 per term

A non-refundable registration fee of £350 is required for formal application assessment. Deposits upon accepting a place vary by entry level and residency status, with specific amounts detailed on the school’s website. Additionally, a 20% boarding bursary is available for new regular HM Armed Forces families drawing the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) and joining the school.

St Swithun's School Rankings and Results

St Swithun’s School is proud of its consistent academic performance at all levels. In 2024, 79% of GCSE results at St Swithun’s were graded 9-7, and 68% of A-level results were graded A*-A. According to the 2024 GCSEs League Table, the school ranks at the 58th spot in the country. 

St Swithun's School Boarding Experience

St Swithun’s offers boarding from age 12, with single rooms featuring modern bathrooms and communal spaces for socialising. The 45-acre campus includes specialist facilities for arts, drama, music, science, technology, sports, cookery, and textiles. Students have access to a library, a 550-seat auditorium, two swimming pools, 12 tennis courts, and a grass athletics track with all-weather field areas.

Pastoral Care And SEN Support

The school supports students with higher education guidance, university presentations, alumni networking events, and a guest speaker programme. Pastoral care is prioritised through initiatives like Thrive, Positive Education, and Girls on Board, complemented by trained house staff, on-site healthcare, a clinical psychologist, and a school chaplain. These resources foster personal growth and a strong sense of community.

The school also offers various kinds of SEN support:

  • Aspergers
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
  • Dyslexia
  • Mental health
  • PD – Physical Disability and much more

St Swithun's School Application Deadline

Boarding applications must be submitted by September of the year before the intended start date. For example, students applying for the next academic year must complete their applications by September.

St Swithun's School Extracurricular Activities

St Swithun’s offers a variety of extracurricular activities, giving students opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills, and build friendships.

Clubs and Societies

Students choose an after-school activity each term from options like biology, linguistics, and debating. Full boarders have additional weekly activities, such as art workshops and golf. The school also organises four-week overseas expeditions, with past trips to Kenya, Tanzania, Malaysia, and Uganda.

Social Events

Students regularly collaborate with other schools in music and drama performances. St Swithun’s hosts biannual rock concerts featuring bands from different schools. Other social events include ballroom dancing with Winchester College, roller discos, pizza dinners, and bowling.

Sports

Every student joins the Team Orange Performance Program, which provides coaching, technical training, and specialist support. Visiting trainers and speakers offer additional guidance. Students can also compete in school teams, attend weekend training, and participate in activities like watersports and Greenpower racing. Popular sports offered include:

  • Lacrosse
  • Netball
  • Cricket
  • Tennis
  • Athletics
  • Football
  • Swimming
  • Gymnastics
  • Trampolining
  • Dance
  • Badminton
  • MOVE 60

Boarding Activities

Boarders have access to 140 co-curricular activities, with sessions available before school, during lunch, and after school. Evening activities include sushi-making, craft sessions, and competitive events. Weekend options range from theatre trips and shopping outings to country walks and ice-skating.

With a wide selection of activities, St Swithun’s encourages students to try new experiences, develop time management skills, and engage with their community.

St Swithun's School Reviews

Parent of Year 5 pupil
5/5

“The school is one of the most prestigious in the country being the number two all-girls school after Wycombe Abby, so as you can expect your friend’s daughter will feel a little bit of pressure from the school especially in the older years. The teachers are lovely and some of them I would say are the best I have ever come across!”

Jenny K.
5/5

“Academics here is rigorous, but I’ve got a lot to thank St. Swithun’s for. If I hadn’t enrolled here, I don’t know that I would be challenged to do my best the way I was here. I am also thankful for my experience as a boarder, I think in this aspect I would be ready for university. The people here are great, especially the teachers. I could not have done it without them.”

University of Oxford student
5/5

“The academic program at St. Swithuns is very good, the focus is very much on academic work from the start.”

Kristie Poon
5/5

“St Swithun’s takes in students of every background and brings out the best in them, without ever compromising what makes them unique.”

Maria Solovyeva
5/5

“This is where I built life-long friendships and spent some of the most memorable moments.”

St Swithun's School Contact Information

  • Official Website: https://www.stswithuns.com/
  • Location: Aldresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA
  • Email address: (Prep School) prepoffice@stswithuns.com, (Senior School) office@stswithuns.com
  • Phone: 01962 835750

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications must be submitted by September of the year before the intended start date.

Students must take English, Mathematics, at least two sciences, and one modern foreign language (French, German, or Spanish).

As of 2025, boarding fees for senior students are £16,732.80 per term, while day students pay £9,901.20 per term.

Apply To A UK Boarding School Today!

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Apply To St Swithun's School Today!

Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!

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