Profile created by doris AI ✨ Info not checked by the school ⚠️
Tip
The information on this school’s profile has been taken from publicly available sources and collated by AI. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school.
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages French
Typical class size 12
Strengths Outdoor Education, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School
Introduction
Windermere School, Infant and Junior, is a co-educational day and boarding community serving the early years to Year 6. The Junior School delivers EYFS and a varied prep curriculum with specialist teaching in French, Art, Music and PE. Upper Key Stage 2 adds Drama and Computing to prepare for Senior School. Pupils perform on the Crampton Hall stage as part of Production, and participate in inter-House events including Performing Arts, debating and the Spelling Bee. Outdoor learning is central: Forest School, sailing and canoeing at Hodge Howe, climbing and orienteering on the fells, den building, and singing in caves by candlelight. The Junior School on Ambleside Road will relocate in 2025 to refurbished facilities on Senior School site; Years 3–6 will be based in Browhead with access to Crampton Hall theatre, Ceramics Studio, Science labs, ICT suite and DT. Pre-Prep has its own space in the former Head Teacher's house.
Windermere School, Patterdale Road, Windermere, The Lake District, United Kingdom, LA23 1NW
Gallery
The school has not added photos
Vibes and Culture
The school has not added this information
The Essentials
Windermere School - Infant and Junior has typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.
Location
Windermere School is located in Windermere, The Lake District, Cumbria, United Kingdom. The school's address is Patterdale Road, Windermere, LA23 1NW. It is served by an in‑house bus service with seven branded minibuses and a Barrow route, among others.
Stages
Infant and Junior (Pre-Prep & Prep) for ages 3 to 11; Pre-School to Year 6.
Type
Co-educational; day and boarding.
Pupil Nationality Mix
21 nationalities represented across the school.
Additional learning support
The Learning Support Department provides specialist support for a range of needs, including English as an Additional Language (EAL) with individualised programmes.
Country affiliation
United Kingdom
Religious affiliation
Christian roots
School day structure
Pre‑School starts at 8:15am and ends at 3:50pm. Registration for the Infant & Junior School is at 8:30am.
Bus service
The school has an in‑house transport team and seven branded minibuses; Travellers Choice is used for the Barrow service.
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Fees
Annual tuition at Windermere School - Infant and Junior ranges from up to GBP 19,800 for 2026/27.
Application and Registration
- Registration fee: non-refundable one-off payment of GBP 60, payable on registration. - Acceptance deposit (held for the duration of attendance and credited to the final bill when the pupil leaves): - Residents in the UK (Reception – Year 6): GBP 400. - Residents in the UK (Years 7 – 13): GBP 900. (noting this is for later-entry years). - Residents in the EU: GBP 2,000. - Residents outside the EU: equivalent to the first term's tuition and boarding fee. - Acceptance deposit handling: the deposit is credited onto the pupil's final bill in July of the year of leaving and returned in September, subject to settlement of any outstanding charges. A 50% discount on the deposit applies to the second child; no deposit is required for the third child.
Tuition fees — Pre-Prep, Infant and Junior (2026/27 academic year as published)
- Pre-School (nursery): charged at GBP 8.50 per hour.
- Prep School — Reception (Infant) (per term / annual total): - Reception: GBP 3,000 per term — annual total GBP 9,000.
- Prep School — Infant (Years 1–2) (per term / annual total): - Years 1–2: GBP 3,000 per term — annual total GBP 9,000.
- Prep School — Junior (Years 3–4) (per term / annual total): - Years 3–4: GBP 6,600 per term — annual total GBP 19,800.
- Prep School — Junior (Years 5–6) (per term / annual total): - Years 5–6: GBP 7,500 per term — annual total GBP 22,500.
(There are three terms per academic year; Year 13 is billed differently—charged in two equal parts in Autumn and Spring with no Summer term charge.)
Boarding (where applicable)
- Prep boarding provision is offered by the School. For the 2026/27 published fee schedule the standard day tuition figures for Prep (Reception–Year 6) are published as above; published termly boarding supplements for senior pupils are set out in the School's 2026/27 fees document. Regular boarding of 3–5 nights per week is regarded as weekly boarding; shorter regular patterns (1–2 nights) or occasional boarding are available subject to availability and are charged pro rata or as occasional boarding rates. Specific prep boarding term supplements and flexible boarding prices are available from the School's published fees materials.
Optional extras and per-term additional charges
- English as an Additional Language (EAL): GBP 335 per term (one hour/week, average 10 lessons per term). This provision is VAT exempt. - Additional intensive learning support (as required by teacher assessment, up to 2 hours/week): GBP 650 per term. - IELTS course (Summer and Autumn terms only): GBP 470 per term. - Individual music lessons (payable in advance; subject to VAT): GBP 225 per term. - Private 1:1 academic tuition: GBP 47.50 per lesson. - Individual 1:1 support outside class: GBP 450 per term (average one lesson per week). - Senior in-class shared support and dedicated in-class support (examples noted in the schedule) — see published fee list for relevant year-group charges. - Airport transport to/from Manchester or Liverpool: GBP 50 per journey (VAT exempt). - Weekend activities, trips and some off-site sessions: many activities are included in termly fees; additional charges for particular activities, trips or transport above GBP 20 will be billed separately and notified. Examination entry fees are charged separately (typical examples quoted: GCSE ~ GBP 500 and IB ~ GBP 600).
Sibling discounts and concessions
- Sibling discounts apply where multiple children from the same family attend simultaneously: the third child receives a 25% reduction and subsequent children receive a 50% reduction on fees as published. Acceptance deposit discounts are separate (50% deposit for second child; no deposit for third child).
Billing schedule, payment terms and notice periods
- Billing schedule: fees are billed termly in advance and are due before the first day of each term. Termly fees cover curriculum tuition, meals (including lunch for day pupils) and participation in most school-run activities, unless otherwise stated. - Monthly payment option: a monthly payment scheme is available for parents with UK bank accounts. Parents may also deposit fees in advance for a discount. Payment arrangements and set-up are handled by the School finance office. - Notice and refunds on leaving: one full term's written notice to the Head is required if withdrawing a pupil or to cancel private lessons. If proper notice is not given, one term's fees in lieu of notice will be payable. Acceptance deposits are credited to the final bill in July of the leaving year and refunded in September, subject to settlement of outstanding charges. Refund processing is undertaken after any final charges are clear.
Other regular costs and where to obtain uniform
- Uniform: official school uniform and sportswear are supplied via the Schoolblazer online service for both Prep and Senior Schools; pricing depends on items ordered from that supplier. Prep and Senior uniform lists and requirements are set out in the School's parent information materials. - After-school clubs and watersports/sports tuition: many extracurricular clubs are free; some activities are charged and rates vary by activity — these charges are normally applied per half term or term. Examples of chargeable activities include sponsored external providers (e.g., RYA sailing, climbing, etc.).
Refunds and charge handling
- Registration fee: non-refundable (GBP 60). - Acceptance deposits: refundable as described above once final account is settled and any outstanding charges are cleared; refunds are typically processed after leaving when no further charges are outstanding. - Cancellations and notice: failing to deliver the required one term's written notice will incur a charge equal to one term's fees in lieu of notice.
Accepted payment arrangements and contacts
- Accepted arrangements include termly payment in advance (fees due before the first day of term), a monthly payment scheme for UK bank accounts, and advance payment of fees for a possible discount. Specific payment methods accepted (bank transfer, direct debit setups, card acceptance) and instruction details are handled by the School finance office; contact details for the finance office are provided in the School's published fee documentation.
Bursaries and scholarships
- Bursary scheme: the School accepts bursary applications and uses an independent assessor (Bursary Administration Ltd) for means assessment; an initial assessment fee of GBP 40 payable to the assessing body is applied for prospective parents. Scholarship awards are available for eligible pupils in line with published scholarship programmes.
Academics
Windermere School - Infant and Junior teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The Junior School offers a varied, enriched Prep School curriculum with specialist teaching from the early years, including French, Art, Music and PE. In Upper Key Stage 2, pupils experience further specialist teaching in Drama and Computing as they prepare for Senior School. They use the stage in Crampton Hall to practise and perform their annual Production. Forest School and Adventure programmes foster this belief, with sailing and canoeing at Hodge Howe, climbing and orienteering on the fells, and den building in the grounds. Outdoor learning includes singing in caves by candlelight, and pupils take part in inter-house competitions such as Performing Arts, debating and the Spelling Bee. Moving Up To Senior School occurs at the end of Year 6 to ensure a smooth transition.
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
The school has not added this information
Facilities
The school has not added this information
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school has not added this information
Languages
The school has not added this information
Reputation
The school has not added this information
Admissions
Admissions
1. Enquiry and initial information: Submit an enquiry via the OpenApply portal on the Windermere School site. After submission, the admissions team will guide you through the next steps, which include a formal application, providing recent school reports, and arranging a visit. A prospectus can also be downloaded to learn more about Pre-Prep and Prep options. 2. Entry requirements: UK students typically have an interview with the Head and a review of current school reports. International students usually sit an online CAT4 assessment followed by a virtual interview, with English language proficiency assessed to ensure curriculum access. 3. Timing and readiness: Applications are accepted throughout the year (subject to space). For key entry points such as Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12, it is recommended to apply at least one year in advance; scholarship assessment days are usually held in Autumn and Spring terms. 4. Scholarships and bursaries: Scholarships are offered in Academic, Sport, Drama, Music, and Sailing, and require a portfolio or a practical assessment. There is financial support for Forces Families and means-tested bursaries are available; bursaries are reviewed by BAL (Bursary Administration Ltd) with an initial BAL review fee of £40 and periodic reassessment every 1–2 years. 5. Prospectus and further steps: A prospectus can be downloaded to help families understand the Pre-Prep and Prep provision, and admissions enquiries can be submitted via the Enquire Now link to connect with the admissions team.
Scholarships
The school offers scholarships in Academic, Sport, Drama, Music and Sailing. Scholarship applicants must submit a portfolio or attend a practical assessment. The school provides means-tested bursaries and financial support for Forces Families. Bursaries are reviewed by an independent body (Bursary Administration Ltd) with an initial £40 review fee and will be reassessed every 1–2 years.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where is Windermere School - Infant and Junior located, and what is the address?
Windermere School is in Windermere, The Lake District, Cumbria, United Kingdom. The address is Patterdale Road, Windermere, LA23 1NW. The school provides an in‑house bus service with seven branded minibuses and a Barrow route to help families with travel.
What ages does the Infant and Junior campus cover, and what happens after Year 6?
The Infant and Junior campus covers ages 3 to 11 (Pre-Prep and Prep). At the end of Year 6, pupils move up to the Senior School for continuation of their education. The wider Windermere School serves pupils up to age 18, with boarding options available.
Is Windermere School co-educational, and are there boarding options?
Yes, Windermere School is co-educational and offers both day and boarding options. Prep boarding is available in Langdale House for pupils aged 8–16, and boarding is part of the Senior School provision as well.
What are the registration and acceptance deposits, and how are they handled at leaving?
Registration costs GBP 60 (non-refundable). Acceptance deposits depend on residency and year, for example UK Reception–Year 6 is GBP 400; UK Years 7–13 is GBP 900; EU GBP 2,000; non-EU equals the first term's tuition and boarding. The deposit is credited to the final bill on leaving and refunded in September after all charges are settled; there is a 50% discount for the second child and no deposit for the third child.
What are the current per-term fees for Pre-Prep, Infant and Junior?
Pre-School is GBP 8.50 per hour. Reception and Years 1–2 are GBP 3,000 per term (GBP 9,000 per year). Years 3–4 are GBP 6,600 per term (GBP 19,800 per year). Years 5–6 are GBP 7,500 per term (GBP 22,500 per year). There are three terms per academic year, with Year 13 billed differently.
Are scholarships and bursaries available, and how do they work?
Scholarships are offered in Academic, Sport, Drama, Music and Sailing and require a portfolio or practical assessment. Bursaries provide means-tested financial support and are reviewed by BAL (Bursary Administration Ltd), with an initial BAL review fee of GBP 40 and reassessments every 1–2 years; there is also support for Forces Families.
What does the Junior School curriculum include?
The Junior School offers a varied, enriched Prep curriculum with specialist teaching from early years (French, Art, Music, PE). In Upper Key Stage 2, students receive Drama and Computing with a focus on preparation for Senior School, and they perform in annual productions on the Crampton Hall stage, plus Forest School and adventure activities.
What languages are taught, and is there a bilingual option?
French is taught from Reception through Year 13, and Spanish begins in Year 7. English is the language of instruction with EAL support across key stages. The IB offers a Bilingual Diploma or Bilingual Career-related Programme for suitably proficient pupils.
How does the school manage the transition to the Senior School?
Students move up to the Senior School at the end of Year 6 to ensure a smooth transition. They gain access to Senior School facilities such as Crampton Hall theatre, Ceramics Studio, Sports Hall, Science laboratories, ICT suite and Pi Lab. Year 6 has a common room, and Years 3–6 are accommodated at Browhead with dedicated spaces.
What facilities are available at Windermere for Junior and Senior students?
Pupils can use Senior School facilities including Crampton Hall theatre, Ceramics Studio, Sports Hall, Science laboratories, ICT suite and Pi Lab, plus Astroturf. The Browhead Campus offers Pre-Prep play spaces, a front lawn, woodlands and outdoor learning spaces, plus an Art Room, Music Room and Wellbeing Centre for younger pupils.
Where will Pre-Prep and Year 1–2 be located during the campus refurbishment?
Pre-Prep (Pre-School to Year 2) will be housed in the former Head Teacher's house on Browhead, with a ground-floor space for Pre-School and Reception and a first-floor space for Years 1–2 and outdoor space. Years 3–6 will be based in Browhead, with access to dedicated spaces for Art, Music and Wellbeing and to Senior School facilities.
What are the boarding options for prep students?
Prep boarding is available in Langdale House for pupils aged 8–16. Langdale House is co-educational, with a house team supervising daily routines. Regular boarding typically means 3–5 nights per week, with shorter or occasional patterns available subject to space and pro‑rata pricing.
What kinds of after-school clubs and activities are offered?
There is a broad Extracurricular programme with arts, crafts and music clubs, and dance options such as Ballet, Modern, Tap and Street Dance (some at extra cost). Many clubs are included in termly fees, and there are chargeable activities like sailing, climbing and other trips.
Are there leadership opportunities for students outside class time?
Yes. The school uses a house system that fosters collaboration and leadership, with Inter-House competitions in Performing Arts, debating and the Spelling Bee. Participation in clubs also provides chances to lead small groups or projects.
What wellbeing and SEN support is available for students?
There is a Pupil Support team and Learning Support, with EAL provision across key stages. Life Skills Education focuses on Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World to build resilience, and safeguarding is supported by a Key Worker for EYFS and inclusive practices.
How is meals and uniform handled at Windermere?
On-site catering with a dedicated dining room provides balanced meals and a three-week menu rotation, accommodating food intolerances. Uniform is supplied via Schoolblazer, with lists published in the Prep and Senior School Handbooks and included in termly fees for day pupils.
Who governs Windermere School, and how is safeguarding assured?
The school is governed by a Board of Governors with committees covering Education, Health, Finance, Marketing and more, ensuring safeguarding, finances and compliance with Charity Commission guidance. Safeguarding policies are in place across the school, including EYFS-specific welfare arrangements.
How diverse is the Windermere community?
The school represents 21 nationalities across its student body, contributing to a dynamic international community and a broad cultural perspective.
What transport options exist for international families and staff?
Windermere operates an in-house transport team with seven branded minibuses and a Barrow route to support travel for pupils and families, with additional services potentially available through Travellers Choice for the Barrow area.
What is the history of Windermere School?
Windermere School began in 1863 as St Anne's School in Lytham, moved to Windermere in 1924, and changed names in 1990 and 2010. It now operates on two campuses, Browhead and Hodge Howe, with Elleray Campus as the former infant and junior site.
Ask me anything about Windermere School - Infant and Junior
I can recommend schools, build your shortlist with you, compare fees, explain curriculums and find open days — or just tell me your situation and we'll start from there.
doris can make mistakes - verify important details with the school.
