FOUNDED in 1863, Windermere School, a day and boarding school based in the Lake District, is leading the charge in ensuring its safe and secure future for generations to come.
Independent schools continue to face fierce headwinds. A backdrop of a national decline in pupil numbers, rising costs, global uncertainties, increased National Insurance contributions and the introduction of a 20% VAT on school fees in January 2025 have all led to increased financial strain for many independent schools.
Whilst the media reports a plethora of school closures, Windermere School is bucking the national trend with the opening of a new junior (preparatory) school on their Browhead campus overlooking Lake Windermere. This coincides with announcing postponement in any school fee increases. The new Windermere Preparatory School Grand Opening took place on Friday, 16 May 2025.
Answering Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s, June 2024 election campaign call that independent schools will have to “adapt” and that, “they (independent schools) have had lots of increases in costs over the last 14 years and they’ve accommodated it.”, Windermere School has implemented a radical cost reduction plan which includes:
- A move from two sites to a single campus.
- A freezing or reducing primary fees in some year groups.
- No fees increase in September 2025.
- Increasing revenue opportunities such as hiring out facilities to suitable third parties and innovative ventures including international holiday courses and offering membership of the School’s stunning lake side watersports centre, Hodge Howe.
Chair of Governors, Peter Hogan, said of the move, “Coming together on one site will enhance the educational offering for all members of the School community whilst reducing running costs. Children from Pre-School to Year 6 will benefit from age-appropriate access to all the specialist facilities currently located on the Senior School site. At the same time, Senior pupils will have increased opportunities to demonstrate Round Square values, such as Leadership and Service, by mentoring and supporting their younger peers. Working together on academic and co-curricular projects will promote shared learning, teamwork, and mutual respect, helping to further strengthen the family ethos our School is known for.”
Categories: School News Windermere
