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Our History Established in 1848

Established around 1885 by Misses Whitfield and Holmes

1885

Established around 1885 by Misses Whitfield and Holmes

(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.
Moved to Westbourne Road

1888

Moved to Westbourne Road

(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.
Pupils

1902

Pupils

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

1919

Headmaster, Mr Mercer

(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.
Pupils

1919

Pupils

School numbers ranged between 40 and 52 during this time.
Public school entrance examinations

1930

Public school entrance examinations

(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

1932

Mr Mercer

Mr Mercer with Westbourne pupils
During the Blitz

1940

During the Blitz

(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.
100 years of education

1985

100 years of education

(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.
Westbourne School purchased Ashdell Grove

1995

Westbourne School purchased Ashdell Grove

(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.
Westbourne became a fully co-educational school

1997

Westbourne became a fully co-educational school

(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.
Senior School opened

2001

Senior School opened

(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.
Outstanding in all areas!

2004

Outstanding in all areas!

The arrival of Headmaster John Hicks. ISI Inspection - Outstanding in all areas.
125th Anniversary

2015

125th Anniversary

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

2015

Sheriff, John Holt

(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.
Voted Top School in Sheffield

2018

Voted Top School in Sheffield

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.
£3million Junior School upgrade

2022

£3million Junior School upgrade

£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.
Middle School opening

2024

Middle School opening

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.
Mr Edmanson

2024

Mr Edmanson

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.’
Reception, Junior School & Whole School Hall Image

Reception, Junior School & Whole School Hall

Our Junior School was upgraded in 2022 with new buildings and facilities. The latest improvements support our commitment to small class sizes and personalised learning for every pupil.

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Reception Outdoor Classroom & Play Space Image

Reception Outdoor Classroom & Play Space

Our youngest learners benefit from two purpose-built classrooms that flow effortlessly into outdoor play areas, creating an inspiring environment for exploration and growth.

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Upper Yard

Upper Yard is a vibrant outdoor space at Westbourne School, covered in astro turf to provide a safe and versatile play area for all-year-round use.

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Lower Yard Image

Lower Yard

The Covered Yard at Westbourne School ensures that Junior School pupils can enjoy outdoor play all year round, whatever the weather.

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Junior School

This part of Westbourne School is home to Year 3, 5 and 6 classrooms, a drama studio, and the Junior School Library, providing a quiet space for reading and study.

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Senior School - Westbourne Place

Westbourne Place is a dynamic hub for our Senior School pupils, featuring a fully equipped Food Technology kitchen.

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Garden / Wellbeing Studio

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main school campus, our Garden and Wellbeing Studio is a peaceful sanctuary for pupils. Offering a calming environment, this space nurtures wellbeing and relaxation.

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Senior School - Coach House Image

Senior School - Coach House

A blend of history and creativity, the Coach House is home to our Senior School Natural History, Art, and Photography departments.

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Senior School - Ashdell House Image

Senior School - Ashdell House

Ashdell House is home to key Senior School academic subjects, including PSHE, French, Chemistry, and Spanish. It also houses our Biology lab and the Senior School Library, providing pupils with a quiet space for study and research.

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Astro Area

A multi-purpose Senior School playground, used all year round for sports, and outdoor activities

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The Dell - Forest School & Outdoor Learning Image

The Dell - Forest School & Outdoor Learning

Nestled within a Victorian sunken garden, The Dell is a hidden gem dedicated to outdoor learning. Our Forest School has been awarded the Wildlife Trust's Wild School Award.

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Bridge

Bridge

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Senior School Hall Image

Senior School Hall

Built in 2022, this modern space serves as a Senior School Maths classroom and a quiet breakout area for independent study. It is also used for GCSE exams.

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Senior School - Ashdell Grove Image

Senior School - Ashdell Grove

The heart of our Senior School, Ashdell Grove is a vibrant hub for learning, wellbeing, and creativity.

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Explore our School

Where you Belong

Individualised Learning & Pupil Progress

As part of their enrichment programme, pupils braved the rain and visited The Botanical Gardens on Thursday morning to complete two challenges. Their first quest was to work in teams to solve the Riddle Trail, with clues penned by local author Berlie Doherty inscribed onto pieces of artwork hidden amongst the plants and features of the garden. Their second mission was to find all items on their Botanical Bingo sheet and take a photo as evidence. Items to be hunted down included an insect on a flower, moss growing on a rock and of course, no trip to the Botanical Gardens would be complete without tracking down its famous bear! Pupils will be asked to compile a photo montage of their snaps and bring it to their English lessons this term to be used as the basis for creative writing. We were very impressed with the way in which pupils approached this experiential learning opportunity – engaging with nature, noticing the things around them and working effectively as teams. Congratulations to Ms Leyland's group who completed the Riddle Trail in the fastest time; a team treat will be heading their way soon as a prize! Image

As part of their enrichment programme, pupils braved the rain and visited The Botanical Gardens on Thursday morning to complete two challenges. Their first quest was to work in teams to solve the Riddle Trail, with clues penned by local author Berlie Doherty inscribed onto pieces of artwork hidden amongst the plants and features of the garden. Their second mission was to find all items on their Botanical Bingo sheet and take a photo as evidence. Items to be hunted down included an insect on a flower, moss growing on a rock and of course, no trip to the Botanical Gardens would be complete without tracking down its famous bear! Pupils will be asked to compile a photo montage of their snaps and bring it to their English lessons this term to be used as the basis for creative writing. We were very impressed with the way in which pupils approached this experiential learning opportunity – engaging with nature, noticing the things around them and working effectively as teams. Congratulations to Ms Leyland's group who completed the Riddle Trail in the fastest time; a team treat will be heading their way soon as a prize!

Instagram 5 June 2025

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Where you Belong

Individualised Learning & Pupil Progress

As part of their enrichment programme, pupils braved the rain and visited The Botanical Gardens on Thursday morning to complete two challenges. Their first quest was to work in teams to solve the Riddle Trail, with clues penned by local author Berlie Doherty inscribed onto pieces of artwork hidden amongst the plants and features of the garden. Their second mission was to find all items on their Botanical Bingo sheet and take a photo as evidence. Items to be hunted down included an insect on a flower, moss growing on a rock and of course, no trip to the Botanical Gardens would be complete without tracking down its famous bear! Pupils will be asked to compile a photo montage of their snaps and bring it to their English lessons this term to be used as the basis for creative writing. We were very impressed with the way in which pupils approached this experiential learning opportunity – engaging with nature, noticing the things around them and working effectively as teams. Congratulations to Ms Leyland's group who completed the Riddle Trail in the fastest time; a team treat will be heading their way soon as a prize! Image

As part of their enrichment programme, pupils braved the rain and visited The Botanical Gardens on Thursday morning to complete two challenges. Their first quest was to work in teams to solve the Riddle Trail, with clues penned by local author Berlie Doherty inscribed onto pieces of artwork hidden amongst the plants and features of the garden. Their second mission was to find all items on their Botanical Bingo sheet and take a photo as evidence. Items to be hunted down included an insect on a flower, moss growing on a rock and of course, no trip to the Botanical Gardens would be complete without tracking down its famous bear! Pupils will be asked to compile a photo montage of their snaps and bring it to their English lessons this term to be used as the basis for creative writing. We were very impressed with the way in which pupils approached this experiential learning opportunity – engaging with nature, noticing the things around them and working effectively as teams. Congratulations to Ms Leyland's group who completed the Riddle Trail in the fastest time; a team treat will be heading their way soon as a prize!

Instagram 5 June 2025

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