Withington Girls' School

Withington is a leading day school for girls aged 7-19 in which some of the best academic results in the country are attained within a lively, happy and caring environment. Our outstanding record of achievement is complemented by extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities and special attention is paid to pupils' personal, spiritual, moral and social development.

Withington Girls’ School was founded in 1890 by a small group of eminent and far-sighted Manchester families who wanted the same educational opportunities to be available for their daughters as were already available to their sons. In keeping with the Founders’ wishes, the School has remained relatively small, with approximately 725 pupils; 155 in the Junior School (Years 3 – 6), 405 in the Senior School (Years 7 – 11) and 165 in the Sixth Form. The Head of Withington Girls’ School is a member of both the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) and the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC).

Withington Girls’ School combines academic excellence with a strong sense of purpose and genuine care for each individual. The school is committed to developing confident, independent young women who not only achieve their full academic potential but are ready to meet the challenges that face them in the world outside.

The school’s A Level and GCSE results are outstanding, with Withington ranked consistently in national league tables as the top independent school in the North West of England. These exceptional achievements are complemented by an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities, where pupils are encouraged to try new experiences and stretch themselves.

Withington offers pupils a continuous and supportive journey from Junior School through to the Sixth Form. At every stage, the school combines academic challenge with dedicated pastoral care and opportunities to develop confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of community.

Our History

Withington was founded in 1890 by a small group of eminent and far-sighted Manchester families who wanted the same educational opportunities to be available for their daughters as were already available to their sons.

Learning here is guided by the founding principle that the pleasure of learning brings its own reward, sustaining and enriching individuals throughout their lives. And, the school has remained relatively small, ensuring that tailored and dedicated support can be given to each pupil.

A Focus on Excellent Teaching and Pastoral Care

Pupils enjoy a broad and rich curriculum that encourages confidence, curiosity and independence. Trips, visitors and other experiences further learning and opportunities for debate and discussion enhance understanding. At Withington, technology is used confidently and purposefully, always in service of learning. Its use does vary, depending on the subject and the different lessons within that subject.

Junior School pupils benefit from dedicated class teachers and specialist teaching in IT, Music and Languages. In the Senior School, pupils take 9/10 subjects at GCSE, followed by 3 or 4 A Levels. Sixth Form students also have the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), as well as a full and varied enrichment programme. Extension sessions are offered in across subjects, allowing for deeper investigation.

Staff get to know each pupil well personally and academically, and work together to achieve the best outcomes. The excellent quality of teaching and pastoral care is a major factor in the exceptional level of achievement secured by pupils, both within and outside the classroom. Staff are eager to share their passion and enthusiasm for their subjects and give willingly of their time to assist individual pupils outside lesson times; the relationship between pupils and staff is a particular strength of the school.

A Breadth of Activities

An extraordinary array of clubs and societies means there is something for everyone at Withington, from coding to garage band, photography to sign language and much more in between. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is popular with pupils in Year 9+ and there is an enormous choice of activity to enjoy in music, sport and drama.

The school has a long track record of well-established and mutually beneficial partnerships within the local community and globally, including an annual concert for primary school children at Manchester Cathedral and a 20-year relationship with social development projects in The Gambia.

Preparation for life after school starts early and involves a programme of careers advice, work experience and UCAS application guidance. Older girls work with younger girls in numerous ways, through the House system, extra-curricular activities, peer support and mentoring.

A Welcoming Community

Respect (for oneself and for others), personal responsibility and inclusion underpin school life.

Pupils come from a wide geographical area around Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and from many different economic, social, cultural and religious backgrounds, creating a diversity in which the school rejoices. The school is committed to providing support (called a bursary) to those families in most financial need - around 100 pupils receive financial assistance.

The most recent inspection report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) recognised the commitment to cultural understanding and respect as "a significant strength of the school", highlighting the opportunities we provide for discussion and reflection across all faiths.

The school retains strong links with alumnae, as well as former and current parents and staff who support various initiatives including the careers programme, work experience and the Bursary Fund.