The Westgate School, Winchester


The Westgate School is a mixed all-through school located in Winchester, Hampshire, United Kingdom.

History

The school was founded in the early 1900s as the Winchester County School for Girls, becoming Winchester County High School for Girls in 1936. By the 1970s it had 900 girls.
It had been a grammar school for girls only, until September 1973 when the first intake of comprehensive boys and girls entered the first year. At this point the school was renamed as The Westgate School. Many of the old grammar school teachers left in July 1974 to work in the neighbouring newly established sixth form college, the former Peter Symonds boys' grammar school. The Deputy Head, Miss Barbara Taylor, was one who made the move, but the Headmistress, Miss Sylvia Rowe, remained for several more years.
The last grammar school intake left in July 1977, leaving The Westgate School entirely comprehensive and co-ed from then on.

Achievements

In recent years between 75 and 80% of 15- and 16-year-olds have achieved five or more GCSE grades A* to C, 70-80% including Maths and English. According to the , Westgate is one of Hampshire's top state schools.

Notable former pupils