
Sophie Green
Since its foundation in 1900, Godstowe Preparatory School in High Wycombe has been at the forefront of education. It has a distinguished tradition as the first British boarding preparatory school for girls, in a foundation that includes Wycombe Abbey, Benenden and St Leonards. Today, Godstowe is a flourishing boarding and day school with 430 pupils, and enjoys an unparalleled academic reputation. It has a Nursery and Pre-Prep for boys and girls between three and seven, and a Preparatory School for girls from seven to 13 years old, a third of whom are boarders.
ACADEMIC RECORD
Godstowe enjoys an excellent and unparalleled academic reputation amongst British Independent Schools. Despite its non-selective entry policy Godstowe consistently achieves unrivalled academic results – 100% pass rate for Common Entrance at 13 and 98% pass rate at 11 . Almost 40% of girls left the School with a Scholarship in 2007. By the age of nine, pupils are taught by specialists in 16 subjects across the curriculum. Language teaching includes French, Spanish and Latin. Sport, ICT, art and music are all outstandingly taught within first-rate facilities.
BOARDING
Girls’ boarding life is focused within three houses in the grounds, one of which is a dedicated senior house. Each has four resident staff and a warm and supportive atmosphere. A combination of professional and caring staff and beautifully refurbished accommodation ensures a safe and relaxing environment. Each house has its own garden and tennis court, reinforcing the feeling of ‘going home’ at the end of the school day. Weekends are packed full of activity and fun, with many weekly boarders also often choosing to stay at School for the weekend.
The Enrichment Curriculum is an extended school day from 7.30am to 7.30pm, with around 75 after-school activities scheduled each week. The ‘E-Curriculum’ gives children the chance to try many exciting and challenging new pursuits including fencing, rock climbing, film production, football and radio-controlled racing. In addition, supervised homework sessions are offered every night. Day children may join boarders for breakfast and supper. Other than those sessions supervised by outside instructors all activities are offered free of charge. An Enrichment programme is also in place for pre-prep children.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Pupils have recently gained scholarships at:
Wycombe Abbey, Benenden, Cheltenham Ladies College, Roedean, Badminton, Canford School, Headington, Marlborough College, Malvern Girls' College, Oundle School, Queen Anne's and Tudor Hall.