Our History Established in 1848

(Picture: Misses Whitfield (left) and Holmes) Westbourne School began as a small institution with just nine boys at a house on Glossop Road. The actual date is uncertain as Headmaster (1930-1944) ‘Gaffer’ Johnson, terrified that Hitler was about to invade, burnt all the school records.

(Picture: Misses Claire and Louie Whitfield) In 1888, the school moved to Westbourne Road and adopted its present name. Sarah Whitfield's sisters, Clare and Louie, take over the school. Julia Holmes and Sarah Whitfield move to Ashover to run a boarding school.

(The Misses Whitfield and pupils c.1902) Whole School photographs gives you an idea of how small the school intake was.

(Pictures: Mr Mercer 1932) Over the next decades, Westbourne evolved from a small school with a focus on personalised learning to a larger, more structured institution under the leadership of its first headmaster, Mr Mercer.

School numbers ranged between 40 and 52 during this time.

(Picture: Public school entrance examinations) By 1930 Mr Mercer introduced significant changes, aligning the curriculum with the requirements of public school entrance examinations and achieving recognition for the school from the Ministry of Education in 1930.

Mr Mercer with Westbourne pupils

(Picture: Alumnus Ken Organ) 1940 During the Blitz, Sheffield was heavily bombed, and the Westbourne School buildings suffered significant damage. Flying Officer Kenneth William Organ, a Westbourne School alumnus from 1929 to 1934, played a pivotal role in the success of D-Day. A key member of the Royal Air Force, he provided critical intelligence during a weather forecasting sortie that led to the postponement of the Normandy invasion by one day, saving countless lives. A talented cricketer at school, Kenneth embodied the values of conscientiousness, respect, thoughtfulness, and helpfulness. Tragically, he lost his life at 24 while on weather forecasting duties following a collision over the Atlantic. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connections between Westbourne School's history and the sacrifices made during World War II.

(Picture: School Photo Whole School 1980) Westbourne School continued to foster a strong school spirit and a tradition of academic success, continuing to serve the Sheffield community and adapting to the changing educational landscape throughout the 20th century. By 1985, the school celebrated its centenary, marking a hundred years of providing education to the boys of Sheffield.

(Pictures: Ashdell Grove - formerly Radio Sheffield HQ) Westbourne School purchased Ashdell Grove, a fantastic late Georgian building located opposite the original school. With its beautiful garden, 'The Dell' now our dedicated Outdoor Learning space this area was once an offshoot of the local Botanical Gardens. Prior to our ownership, Ashdell House had served as the headquarters of Radio Sheffield since 1967.

(Picture: 1997 - Laura Bramall) Westbourne became a fully co-educational school, welcoming girls in all year groups. The first girl to attend the school, Laura Bramall, also appeared in a television documentary.

(Picture: Ashdell House) The Senior School opened, in the adjacent Ashdell House, offering GCSE provision (for pupils, fifteen to sixteen years old). Just after this, the pre-existing Lower and Upper Schools combined to become what is, now, the Junior School.

The arrival of Headmaster John Hicks. ISI Inspection - Outstanding in all areas.

The school then continued to grow from strength to strength, and celebrated their 125th Anniversary, which was celebrated in the Sheffield Cathedral.

(Picture: Ashdell House) Growing further, in 2015, John Holt as High Sheriff of South Yorkshire officially opened Westbourne Place, allowing our campus to expand and, with this, bring further opportunities for our pupils.

Westbourne was then voted Top School in Sheffield and 7th Nationwide by The Sunday Times School Guide 2018, which is very much illustrative of the modern era, and our high performing and inclusive ethos.

£3 million Junior School upgraded, with new buildings and facilities. The two-storey building featured a sports and performing arts hall and modern classrooms. Plus, the new Senior School Hall.

This led to the Middle School opening in 2024, prioritising transition and our approach to independent learning. This also aligned with Mr Edmanson joining as our new Headteacher, bringing a wealth of experience with him, both from the UK state sector and twelve years of leadership in high-performing international independent schools.

Headteacher Mr Edmanson takes the helm ‘It is my absolute pleasure to be Headteacher at Westbourne School. Westbourne has such a nurturing and inclusive approach to education, and this can be felt, tangibly, around our school site day-to-day. Working with our young people who are so talented, but who also embody such impressive levels of respect and authenticity, really is quite humbling.’