St Swithun's School is a world-class independent school for girls, offering day, weekly, flexi and full boarding options. Set in 45 acres on the outskirts of the ancient city of Winchester - only one hour from London - we offer exceptional teaching, recreational and residential facilities.
We consider ourselves an 'appropriately academic' school, celebrating intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, but not to the exclusion of all else. We have a long-standing reputation for academic success, with 37% of our 2025 GCSE results were Grade 9. In the same year, The Times Parent Power league ranked St Swithun’s as the second-best girls' boarding school in the UK for A-level results.
With kindness and tolerance at the heart of our community, St Swithun's provides a civilised and caring environment in which all girls are valued for their individual gifts. By the time a girl leaves us, she will be courageous, compassionate, committed, and self-confident with a love of learning, a moral compass and a sense of humour.
What Makes Us Unique
We help students to develop their individual passions and through them develop a range of skills and characteristics. These characteristics include a willingness to take risks, to question and to debate, and to persevere in the face of difficulty.
A highlight of the academic year is the annual firewalk; students take on the challenge of walking over hot coals to raise money for charity and remind them that they are in control of their own destiny. This serves as a reminder that in school and in life, there may be moments when they doubt themselves, but their resilience and courage nurtured at St Swithun’s will help them persevere. As Headmistress Jane Gandee says: “Feel the fear and do it anyway”.
As leaders in girls’ sport, we foster confidence, resilience and lifelong habits through a bespoke active wellbeing programme. We strive to tear down barriers preventing girls and young women from participating. We offer strength and conditioning facilities for students to develop confidence in using the weights section of a gym. Our new sports facility, opening for the 2026/27 academic year, will enable more students to pursue the activity of their choice. With over 40 clubs - from fencing and karate to yoga and pickleball - every student can discover something that suits her.
Campus Highlights
Arts
Theater & Orchestra
Campus
45 acres
Key Stats
Boarding45%
International24%
Founded1884
Campus Size45 acres
Nearby AirportsHeathrow (1hr), London Waterloo (1hr)