Headmistress' Welcome

Welcome to our website and thank you for your interest in St. Swithun's. This site has deliberately been kept as simple as possible. It is designed to give you a brief initial view of the School and a means by which to contact us for further information or to arrange a visit. I strongly believe that this is the best way to gain a true impression of St Swithun’s.

St Swithun’s is an all girls' school and many of our parents choose us because they believe in the benefits that this brings.

As you may well be aware, St. Swithun's has a reputation as a school with a high level of academic achievement. This is true, but it can also give the false impression that we select only the most academic girls and focus on the academic to the exclusion of all else. While our pupils are all of above average intelligence, they are by no means an academic elite and we aim to help every girl to achieve her full potential across the board in a sensible and sensitive manner.

Academic success is undeniably important, but it is only one facet of the rounded education that young people need to equip them for a successful and fulfilled adult life. A parent in a Good School's Guide said: "Girls go in here and with no particular song and dance seem to come out with incredible A-level results". They also, I believe, emerge as well-balanced, rounded individuals, confident in their own strengths and talents and ready to contribute to society in their adult lives.

Should you wish to visit St Swithun’s, please either e-mail us or telephone my PA, Mrs Hilary Turner, on 01962 835701. I should be delighted to meet you and to arrange for one of our Sixth Form girls to show you around the School. Alternatively, if you require any further information before arranging an appointment, please contact the Admissions Secretary, Mrs Barbara Kingston, on 01962 835703.


Dr Helen Harvey