Our History Established in 1848

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.

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.

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

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.

1919
Pupils
School numbers ranged between 40 and 52 during this time.

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.

1932
Mr Mercer
Mr Mercer with Westbourne pupils

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2004
Outstanding in all areas!
The arrival of Headmaster John Hicks. ISI Inspection - Outstanding in all areas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.’