Withington Girls' School is a private day school in Fallowfield, Manchester, United Kingdom, providing education for girls between the ages of seven and eighteen. Withington is a member of the Girls' Schools Association and the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.
The school was founded in 1890 by a number of eminent Mancunians. It was named North West Independent School of the Decade by The Sunday Times in 2021. Withington consistently ranks as one of the top schools in the country for academic results.
History Withington Girls' School was founded in 1890 by a group of eminent Manchester families who wanted the same educational opportunities for their daughters as were already available for their sons. Among the founders were Mrs Louisa Lejeune, the mother of C. A. Lejeune, C. P. Scott, Henry and Emily Simon, Miss Caroline Herford and Sir Adolphus Ward. There were four pupils in the beginning.
Present day
Over the years, the School has aimed to remain true in essence to the founders' principles.
The school suffered a serious arson attack in August 2003, but took this as an opportunity to build new science labs, and has since built a new sixth form common room and additional classrooms.
Academic curriculum
The following subjects are available for all third form (first year/year seven) pupils: English and English Literature Maths Two of French/German/Spanish Latin Chemistry Biology Physics Physical Education ICT Food and Nutrition History Geography Religious Studies Drama and Theatre Studies Art Music
As the girls move up the school, other subjects are available, including: Greek Classical Civilisation Computer Science Politics (Sixth Form only) Economics (Sixth Form only) Psychology (Sixth Form only) Philosophy (Sixth Form only)
Extra-curricular activities
Sport
Withington won its first national lacrosse title at the 2022 National Schools competition when its U14 team claimed the top position.
Notable former pupils
Kate Abdo, television presenter Julia Britton, playwright Sarah Burton, creative director of the Alexander McQueen brand and designer of Catherine Middleton's wedding dress Judith Chalmers, television presenter Mildred Creak, child psychiatrist Marjorie Deane (1914-2008), financial journalist Sarah Foot, medieval historian Jen Hadfield, poet (Winner of the T. S. Eliot Prize 2008) C. A. Lejeune, film critic Brenda Milner, Canadian neuropsychologist Joanna Natasegara, 2017 Oscar winner, documentary film-maker Christine Rice, opera singer, mezzo-soprano Stephen Whittle, Professor of Equalities Law, campaigner for transgender rights
References
Girl beats cancer in 2004 Thanking firemen in June 2004 Academic success in 2003 Arson on 22 August 2003
External links School website Profile on Girls' Schools Association