Primary School

Westbourne

A rural village in West Sussex

Westbourne Primary School

Welcome to Westbourne Primary School

A brief history of our school

The first school in Westbourne was established in 1819 and was situated in the poor house. Supported by the village, parishioners voted unanimously to allow the schoolmaster to sleep and eat there at parish expense. By 1835 land was acquired from the Lord of the Manor for a new school which opened in 1846, accommodating 160 pupils. In 1876 it was converted into the girls' and infants' school with the boys transferring to new premises in School Road at the age of five. Sadly, however, with many parents unable to meet the cost of further education the majority of children left school when they reached 12 years of age. Such was the poverty that during the winter months attendance dropped off due to the defective boots the children wore. In 1911, the council merged the two schools in Westbourne into one in a new building in River Street. During the war the school took in over 100 evacuees from Wimbledon.
Today under the headship of Neil O'Boyle Westbourne School is thriving and known for its unique family atmosphere. Accommodating 210 pupils aged between four and 11 years it is divided into seven classes, incorporating 30 children in each, while the staff comprises seven full time and one part time teacher. Following the construction of a new hall, the old one was converted into a classroom, staff room and library. The after-school clubs - drama, gymnastics, cricket, athletics, chess and recorders - are run by the teachers and some by outside helpers.

How do we see Westbourne
We recently asked the children to draw a picture to show how they see the village and have chosen these 3 to go on the school page to show to the village.
Very interesting and good to see the word “friendly” occuring in each.
Well done to all who contributed to this activity.

Natasha Mula Gemma Walker Martha Stock

Latest news from the school

ECO PROJECT now has its own page <<<click here

Whilst Westbourne Primary School continues to be very popular with many classes full and over 50 applications for the 30 available places in September 2010 it has 6 spaces in both Year 5 and 6!

A number of families have been re-housed or have left the area and so the school finds itself in an unusual situation.

Reception - 4 spaces
Year 1 - Full
Year 2 - Full
Year 3 - 2 spaces
Year 4 - Full
Year 5 - 6 spaces
Year 6 - 6 spaces

Added January 2010

We are very proud of our school, our pupils and their successes. We believe that Westbourne is a special place and the relationships we develop with our children and their families, enables us to create a distinctive ethos. We aim to make the learning experience varied and inclusive. We have very high expectations and strive to achieve excellence for all.
Ours is a happy school where the success of every child matters. The dedicated staff are committed to developing the knowledge, skills, understanding and values which will enable your child to

enjoy learning, achieve success and become a confident, contented and fulfilled young person. Whilst we are known for our unique family atmosphere it is also our reputation for high standards that has made us so popular.
We hope that this brief insight into the schools activity will capture a sense of our school and the values which underpin all we seek to achieve. We encourage you to take the opportunity to visit us so that you can experience this for yourself.
Visit our school website for more: http://www.westbourne.w-sussex.sch.uk/