Teaching Assistant, Junior School

W I

T H I N G T O N   G I

R

L

S

’

S

C H O O L

R E C R U I T M E N T   P A C K :
T E A C H I N G   A S S I S T A N T ,   J U N I O R   S C H O O L

ABOUT WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Withington is a leading independent day school for girls aged 7 to
19, achieving some of the best academic results in the country with
dedication, compassion and joy.
We prioritise knowing each pupil as an individual, providing tailored
care and support in a nurturing environment. This allows us to
maintain our position as the North West’s top-performing
independent school, whilst ensuring our girls grow into happy,
confident and independent young women who feel genuinely valued
throughout their journey with us. Above all, Withington is a place
where enthusiastic learners flourish, supported by staff who are
deeply committed to pastoral care and personal development. Our
proactive wellbeing programme ensures every pupil receives the
support she needs to thrive academically and personally.
The most recent ISI report recognised our 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. Read more here.

FINANCES
With an annual turnover of over £10M, Withington is in a healthy
financial position and can look to the future with confidence. The
Governors are keen to explore potential increases to commercial
income, currently derived from facility lettings and holiday activities.

WGS TRUST
Withington Girls’ School is a company limited by guarantee and
registered charity. The WGS Trust is a separate registered charity
supporting the School’s educational advancement, with Trustees
appointed by the Governors. The Trust aims to support the provision
of outstanding educational opportunities for talented girls,
irrespective of financial background.

True to our founding principles, we believe that the pleasure of
learning brings its own reward, sustaining and enriching individuals
throughout their lives. We aim to open as many doors as possible
for our pupils in terms of learning. Respect for ourselves and others
alongside personal responsibility underpin our school community.
We celebrate diversity, value teamwork, and encourage everyone to
play their part, with older pupils and alumnae providing inspirational
role models.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We’re an inclusive school and our proactive approach to equality,
diversity and inclusion reflects this culture. It enables everyone,
whatever their background, to feel safe, respected and valued here,
drawing on diverse voices and experiences that make us proud to
be the best possible reflection of Greater Manchester’s diversity.
We never take these principles for granted, which is why we
continue developing our strategy so that every girl feels welcome
applying here.

PROUDLY ALL GIRLS
Our single-sex environment is a powerful catalyst for unlocking
every girl’s potential. Without the subtle pressures of gender
dynamics, our pupils feel genuinely free to explore every aspect
of themselves - speaking up fearlessly, taking creative risks, and
pursuing leadership without hesitation. When they leave, our young
women carry an unshakeable confidence that they belong anywhere,
pursuing any ambition.
Being proudly all girls means creating an environment where young
women don’t just succeed - they soar.

BURSARY PROGRAMME
We don’t want financial circumstances to be a barrier preventing
girls who have demonstrated their potential to take up a place at our
school. Our ambitious bursary programme is central to the ethos and
values of the school and 1 in 6 senior school pupils receive means
tested financial support.

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEETHOS, AIMS & VALUES

O U R   W I T H I N G T O N
E T H O S

O U R   W I T H I N G T O N
A I M S

WELLBEING
and INCLUSION

All pupils are nurtured, supported
and encouraged to reach their
full potential, academically,
socially and personally within
our caring community

RESPECT and
RESPONSIBILITY

The golden rule of respect for self,
respect for others and personal
responsibility underpins our school
community and extends beyond the
classroom into the wider world

BEYOND the
CLASSROOM

Pupils develop talents,
skills, interests and
character through the
wealth of extra-curricular
opportunities on off er

LOVE of
LEARNING

The pleasure of learning is
its own reward; valuing and
understanding how to learn
sustains and enriches us
throughout our lives

COMMUNITY
and DIVERSITY

We are a community where diversity
is celebrated, teamwork valued and
every pupil is encouraged to play
their part; older pupils and alumnae
provide inspirational role models

TO INSPIRE PUPILS WITH
AN OUTSTANDING EDUCATION…

... through a strong, regularly reviewed curriculum,

evidence-based teaching strategies, and transformative
technology, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, engagement,
and enhanced pupil outcomes

TO CULTIVATE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT,
WELLBEING AND A SENSE OF SAFETY...

... by fostering an inclusive school environment, holistic pastoral

care and enshrining strong values that shape the school’s
culture and community relationships

TO CHAMPION OUR COMMUNITY…

... by ensuring the quality, motivation, and wellbeing of its staff ,
fostering meaningful relationships with parents, alumnae,
and local stakeholders, and strengthening the school’s
infl uence through robust community engagement

TO EMPOWER FUTURE GENERATIONS…

... by further securing long-term fi nancial health, maintaining a
strong and stable pupil body, developing additional income
streams for the school, and implementing a well-defi ned
marketing strategy to remain competitive and attractive to all

O U R   W I T H I N G T O N
V A L U E S
RESPECT

FOR SELF

RESPECT

FOR OTHERS

PERSONAL

RESPONSIBILITY

LOVE OF

LEARNING

“ A broad and enriching curriculum enables pupils to develop self-esteem, moral
values, spiritual knowledge and an understanding and respect for one another.”
ISI Report 2025

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINESCHOOL STRUCTURE
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.

JUNIOR SCHOOL
Pupils begin their Withington journey in a
welcoming environment that encourages
confidence, curiosity and independence.
Teachers get to know each pupil well
personally and academically, whilst
specialist teaching in subjects such as
IT, Music and Languages, and well-used
outdoor spaces, enrich learning. The
House system, varied activities and
wraparound care help build a strong sense
of belonging and community, with Form
Tutors providing consistent support and
guidance. Outdoor play
and learning form an important part
of daily life.

SENIOR SCHOOL
As pupils move into the Senior School,
they enjoy a broad curriculum whilst
having opportunities in sport, music,
drama and a wide range of clubs.
The House system, dedicated form
time and assemblies create strong
friendships and allow for personal
growth, whilst trips, visiting speakers and
enrichment activities broaden horizons.
Academic challenge is balanced with
strong pastoral support from Heads of
Year and Form Tutors, and pupils are
encouraged to discover and develop their
talents both in and beyond the classroom
within a caring environment that
celebrates individual achievement.

SIXTH FORM
In the Sixth Form, pupils join a close-knit
community where they are encouraged
to excel whilst taking on new challenges.
Small classes, a wide choice of A Levels,
the Extended Project Qualification and a
varied enrichment programme prepare
pupils for life beyond school. Sixth
Formers take on leadership roles, support
younger pupils and contribute to the wider
life of the school, with many progressing
to Russell Group universities and other
competitive courses.

“ Withington’s motto is ‘Ad lucem’ (towards the light), a most fitting way of encapsulating the
standard of education at this remarkable school. It’s an inspiring place where very able girls
who thrive on being fully engaged in a broad and stimulating curriculum will shine brightly.”
The Good Schools Guide

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINECURRICULUM
Withington Girls’ School offers an exceptional, carefully structured curriculum that supports pupils
at every stage,from Junior School through to Sixth Form, combining academic rigour with creativity,
curiosity and personal development.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

The Junior School Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum
but extends beyond it to provide a broad, enriched educational
experience that fosters curiosity and a love of learning. Pupils
study a wide range of subjects alongside enhanced opportunities
in physical education, music, languages, and creative thinking,
with five PE lessons and two music lessons each week and a

different language introduced in each year group. The curriculum
places strong emphasis on personal development through PSHCE,
encourages exploration of big ideas through dedicated thinking
lessons, and is enriched by trips, outdoor learning, and close
links with the Senior School, allowing access to specialist facilities
and teaching.

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINECO-CURRICULAR

Our broad curricular and co-curricular programmes support pupils
in developing confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of active
engagement, whether through sport, music, drama, or a wide range of
other opportunities, while fostering an understanding that a balanced,
healthy lifestyle underpins wellbeing in all its forms.

We believe that co-curricular activities are key to a full and rounded
education, contribute to physical and mental wellbeing and help our
pupils to develop confidence and skills in creativity, communication,
time management, leadership, critical thinking and resilience.

An extraordinary array of clubs and societies means there is something
for everyone, from coding to garage band, photography to sign
language and much more in between.

Enquiring minds can dig deeper into a subject that captures them and
engage beyond the curriculum through our clubs. And of course, there
is the opportunity to take the lead by joining a committee, running
activities for younger pupils or by starting a new club or society.

Clubs meet at lunch time or after school and many of the school buses
provide a late service to make taking part easy.

COMMUNITY & PARTNERSHIPS

As a forward-thinking, outward-looking school, our ethos of respect
for self, respect for others and personal responsibility underpins our
connections beyond the school gates.
We have a strong track record of delivering sustained, mutually
beneficial partnerships with state schools and community
organisations that benefit local, national and international
communities. Hundreds of pupils each year benefit from enterprising,
fun and engaging activities that develop their skills and knowledge
while forging new experiences and friendships.
Locally, our partnerships create meaningful impact across Manchester
and beyond. One of our longest running programmes, SHiNE Together,
provides Saturday morning classes for boys and girls in Years 5 and 6
in an exciting range of subjects. Our musical partnership, Manchester
Sings, brings together hundreds of children from our region to
celebrate music and recognise the power of community. Meanwhile,
our Science Communicators - Sixth Form scientists who deliver exciting

science shows and activities to primary and secondary school partners
- inspire younger audiences while developing valuable communication
and personal skills alongside their subject knowledge.
Looking ahead, Future Focus represents our commitment to
empowering the next generation of young women. This series of
conferences aims to inspire confidence, develop self-esteem and
improve mental health - equipping participants with essential skills to
succeed and flourish in their future lives and careers.
Our reach extends far beyond the UK through our transformative
Gambia programme, which has developed over the last 20 years to
advance educational opportunities in remote rural locations. We have
established a strong partnership with the Mama Tamba Nursery School
in Illiasa, a small village in inland Gambia, where we are guided by
local contacts who work with village elders to assess needs and advise
how we can best support the community.

“Leaders provide a warm, caring and supportive environment. The school has a clear sense of community.”
ISI Report 2025

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEPASTORAL SUPPORT & WELLBEING
At Withington Girls’ School, we believe that exceptional education flourishes
when both students and staff feel genuinely supported and valued.

PUPIL WELLBEING
By knowing and understanding each
pupil as an individual, we can nurture
her potential within our exceptionally
warm, friendly and caring environment.
Withington girls achieve outstanding
academic success alongside vital personal
and social development.

We work closely with families throughout
each girl’s time at Withington, helping us
identify anything that might impact her
personal development so we can offer
relevant support at every stage. Through
our proactive Personal, Social, Health &
Citizenship Education (PSHCE) programme,
pupils learn about themselves and the
wider world. Our specialist team, including
Form Tutors, Heads of Year and health
professionals, works together to ensure
their wellbeing.

STAFF WELLBEING
We recognise that outstanding teaching
comes from staff who feel valued and well-
cared for. Our comprehensive wellbeing
package includes highly attractive
remuneration and pension schemes,
healthcare through Simply Health, death in
service benefit, and complimentary school
lunches. Staff benefit from our fitness
suite and classes, on-site parking, EV car
charging, library access, and additional
PPA time for teaching staff.

This approach to staff wellbeing
contributes to our notably stable and
happy staff community - colleagues who
are genuinely invested in the school’s
mission and enjoy long, fulfilling careers
here. It’s this stability that helps create
the supportive environment in which our
pupils flourish.

NATIONAL WELLBEING AWARD
Withington Girls’ School has received the
national Wellbeing Award for Schools,
recognising its strong commitment to pupil
and staff wellbeing. The accreditation
followed a thorough assessment of the
school’s pastoral care, inclusive culture
and embedded wellbeing practices, with
pupils and parents highlighting accessible
support and a positive community that
underpins both personal development and
academic success.

Wellbeing Award
for Schools
2025 - 2028

“ Pupils reported that if they have any concerns, they are able to access the pastoral team easily, and staff consistently make
time to speak with them when needed. They described staff as welcoming and approachable, stating that they never feel unable
to speak to someone. They expressed that they never feel “lost in the crowd” and that their individual needs are recognised.”

Wellbeing Award for Schools Report

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEOUR LOCATION

Withington Girls’ School is ideally situated in Greater Manchester,
one of the UK’s most dynamic and culturally rich regions. The school
benefits from excellent transport connectivity, with direct rail links
to London, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and York. Manchester Airport
is conveniently nearby, and the school’s proximity to the M6 and M62
motorways allows for good road connections.

The school sits within reach of some of Greater Manchester’s
most sought-after residential areas, including Didsbury, Cheadle,
and Altrincham - leafy suburbs that offer the best of both worlds:
metropolitan amenities alongside green spaces and a strong
community feel.

Manchester’s cultural landscape is particularly compelling, with the
city attracting world-renowned artists and hosting internationally
acclaimed festivals such as the Manchester International Festival.
The region is home to leading universities, including The University of
Manchester, recognised as a centre of teaching excellence and world-
class research.

For those who appreciate the outdoors, the location offers excellent
access to the Peak District and Lake District, both within easy reach.

As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester has always
been a place where things happen. Today, that energy translates into a
forward-thinking region that provides an exciting backdrop for anyone
working and living in the area.

MANCHESTER
CITY CENTRE

Old Trafford

A5103

A6010

Wilbraham Road

Wilmslo
w R
o
a
d

Wellington
Road

Birchfields Road

Moseley
Road

A6

A34

Longsight

A56

Stretford

Chester
Road

JUNCTION 7
(M60)

Barlow Moor Road

Mauldeth Road West

A5103

B5167

Princess Parkway
Palatine Road
B5093

B5043

Mauldeth Rd

Withington

Mauldeth
Road

Wilmslow
Road

B5093
Burnage

Kingsway (A34)

Sale

A5145

A5145

M60

JUNCTION 5

M60

Didsbury

Wythenshawe Road

A5103

A5745

East Didsbury

A580

Altrincham Road

M60

JUNCTION 1
(M56)

JUNCTION 4

M60

M56

JUNCTION 3
(M56)

Gatley

A34

Levenshulme

A6

Wellington Road

Heaton Chapel

A6

JUNCTION 1

M60

Stockport

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEJOB DESCRIPTION The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE:

Teaching Assistant, Junior School

REPORTING TO:

Deputy Head of Junior School

HOURS OF WORK:

35 hours a week (08:30 – 16:00) Monday to Friday, term time only

SALARY:

Withington Pay Scale - Competitive

ROLE OVERVIEW:

CHILD PROTECTION
& SAFEGUARDING:

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.
Pupils begin their Withington journey in the Junior School in a welcoming environment that encourages confidence, curiosity
and independence. Teachers get to know each pupil well personally and academically, whilst specialist teaching in subjects
such as IT, Music and Languages, and well-used outdoor spaces, enrich learning. The House system, varied activities and
wraparound care help build a strong sense of belonging and community, with Form Tutors providing consistent support and
guidance. Outdoor play and learning form an important part of daily life.
As an experienced Teaching Assistant, you will be adaptable to work across all year groups (age 7 – 11) depending on the
requirements of the school. The role of Teaching Assistant will be an integral member of the Junior School team, including
teachers and other support staff, who all support the learning and welfare of the Junior School pupils. The postholder will
provide practical support for learning, educational activities, developing social skills, integration and for ensuring our
pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing. The Postholder will complement teachers’ delivery of the curriculum.
This job description is written at a specific time and is subject to change as the demands of the School and the role
develops. The role requires flexibility and adaptability and the employees of the School need to be aware that they may be
asked to perform tasks and be given responsibilities not detailed in this job description.

Withington Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects
all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate must be willing to undergo child protection
screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The School
will carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online
profile, including social media accounts, as part of their application.
It is the post holder’s responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of children. You will comply with the Withington
Girls’ School Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, and the requirement to report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
any concerns relating to the safety or welfare of children.

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEJOB DESCRIPTION The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

MAIN DUTIES &
RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a Teaching Assistant you will be expected to:

•  Support children both academically and pastorally within small classes. You will work closely with Teachers and subject

specialists, contributing to lessons, supporting individual pupils and helping to maintain a calm and purposeful classroom
environment

•  Work flexibly across all years and support pupils from Year 3 to Year 6, as directed by the Deputy Head of Juniors

•  Develop and prepare resources for learning activities in accordance with lesson plans and in response to pupils’ needs

and general classroom organisation

•  Support the effective use of technology and computing within learning activities

•  Support pupils individually or in small groups to reinforce learning and build confidence, adapting approaches to meet

differing needs and abilities

•  Work collaboratively with external professionals (e.g. speech and language therapists, occupational therapists) as

required

•  Support children’s social, emotional and physical wellbeing

•  Support and supervise children during lessons, break times and transitions around school

•  Liaise with parents and carers in conjunction with the teaching staff to ensure effective communication concerning the

pupils’ wellbeing

•  Support and supervise on visits, extra-curricular activities, trips and out of school visits, as required

•  Support and supervise during late stay, as required

•  To contribute to programmes of assessment as planned, providing reports, evaluations and other information to assist in

the provision of appropriate support for pupils’ learning

•  Manage the behaviour of pupils whilst they are undertaking their work and ensure a constructive learning environment

•  Promote independence and celebrate achievement, effort and progress

•  Act proactively in matters of health and safety, liaising with the School Health Team as required

•  Accurately record and report behavioural, pastoral or safeguarding concerns in line with school procedures, ensuring

incidents are logged and shared with appropriate staff

•  Display and present the pupils work, under the direction of teaching staff so that it enhances the classroom environment

and celebrates achievement

•  Attend any Junior School/Whole School meetings as required

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEJOB DESCRIPTION The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

MAIN DUTIES &
RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a member of Withington, you will be expected to:

•  To maintain good order among the pupils and safeguard their health, safety and welfare in accordance with school policy,

on the school premises and during school activities off site

•  To become familiar with, and follow, all school policies

•  To uphold the ethos of the School

•  To attend training and CPD courses / days in line with whole school and individual needs

•  To be fully aware of all the School’s Safeguarding and code of conduct procedures

•  To be responsible for your own continuing self-development, undertaking training as appropriate

•  To carry out any other duties as reasonably requested by the Head of Junior School or any other member of the Senior

Leadership Team

BENEFITS:

•  Induction, support and ongoing personal development

•  Small class sizes with an experienced team of staff

•  CPD and support with further training and courses

•  A competitive salary based on the Withington Girls’ School scale, commensurate with the qualifications and relevant

experience of the candidate

•  Free lunch provided daily and a subsidised breakfast is also available to purchase

•  Workplace pension with 3 x death in service benefit and a 10% employer contribution

•  Occupational health services and counselling provision

•  Fully funded healthcare plan through Simply Health

•  EV car charging points (subject to school procedures)

•  Cycle storage and staff changing facilities

•  Free use of the fitness suite (subject to school procedures)

•  Weekly staff fitness classes

•  Regular social gatherings

•  Tea, coffee and refreshments in a friendly staffroom

•  Family-friendly policies

•  Respectful and inclusive culture

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEPERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

QUALIFICATIONS

•  Good education to GCSE level (or equivalent) in English

and Mathematics

•  Safeguarding training
•  Further qualifications up to

•  Contents of application form
•  Production of Applicant’s

•  Qualification in the appropriate area (TA qualification)

and including QTS

original certificates

•  Evidence of CPD
•  Evidence of training and
experience in supporting
pupils with SEND and EAL

•  First Aid qualification

EXPERIENCE

•  Evidence of recent excellent classroom practice across a

•  Experience of working with

Primary setting

•  Experience of working as part of a team
•  Experience of creating an engaging classroom

environment which stimulates children’s interest and
supports their learning

parents, outside agencies and
the wider community

•  Experience in supporting
pupils with SEND or EAL

•  Contents of application form
•  Evidence of work experience
•  Interview
•  Professional references

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEPERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

SKILLS &
KNOWLEDGE

•  A clear understanding of the role of a Teaching

Assistant within a school and the importance of working
collaboratively with teachers and colleagues

•  Ability to reflect on practice
and adapt approaches based
on experience

•  Sound knowledge of KS2 curriculum
•  A clear philosophy of primary education and proven

ability to translate this into practice

•  Confidence using ICT to
support learning in the
classroom

•  Excellent organisational and time management skills

with the ability to prioritise and organise your workload
and work to deadlines

•  Interest, experience or talent
in art to support learning and
displays

•  Contents of application form
•  Interview
•  Professional references

•  Excellent attention to detail
•  Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly having the
ability to relate to young people, parents, colleagues
and external 3rd parties

•  Ability to manage multiple tasks
•  Commitment to ongoing professional development and

training

•  Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft

Office, Excel and Word

•  Good command of English both spoken and written
•  Commitment to the ethos of the school and wider

activities

•  Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships

and personal boundaries with children and young
people

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEPERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

PERSONAL
COMPETENCIES
& QUALITIES

•  Excellent communications skills
•  Calm, patient and resilient
•  Team-spirited, self-motivated and adaptable
•  Demonstrable ability to listen and build rapport
•  Flexible and proactive with the ability to adapt working

•  Willingness to contribute to
the wider life of the school
•  A sense of initiative with the
confident to anticipate needs
and offer support proactively

•  Contents of application form
•  Interview
• Professional references

hours on occasions

•  Self-motivated with a positive ‘can do’ approach to work
•  Willing to become fully involved in the life of the school
and be flexible in meeting the demands of the school
environment

•  The ability to adapt to new situations and address

problems from new perspectives

•  Empathetic, enthusiastic and flexible in responding to

the needs of pupils and the school day

•  Attention to detail
•  Open-minded approach to adopting new systems to

increase efficiency within the role

•  Commitment to the ethos of the school and wider

activities

•  Trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality at all

times

•  Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships

and personal boundaries with children and young
people

•  Maintain a professional and well-presented appearance

with a positive and welcoming demeanour

•  Reliable, punctual and able to maintain excellent

attendance

•  Sense of humour and fun

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINETHE SUNDAY TIMES SCHOOLS GUIDE

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE REVIEWS

WELLBEING AWARD FOR SCHOOLS

In December 2025, Withington was named Northwest
Independent School of the Year for Academic
Excellence. This marked the seventh consecutive
year the school has received an award from The
Sunday Times, including being named as North West
Independent Secondary School of the Decade in the
2021 edition of the Schools Guide.

Junior School - Last word
“ Withington Girls’ Junior School ticks an awful lot
of boxes. Pupils have to be bright and able to work
at a fast pace, but if this is your daughter then the
teaching, environment, extracurricular opportunities
and sheer exuberance and chutzpah of this place will
open doors and opportunities. What’s not to like?”

“ The junior school occupies a purpose built (2015)
wing of Withington Girls. It is modern, warm, bright
and a lovely space in which to learn. Girls told us,
‘The environment is lovely, I feel as though I am at
home in school.’’

“ We were bowled over by the girls. Every single one
was confident, but not arrogant. In discussion with us
they were respectful of their peers and made some
extremely mature and insightful comments, often well
beyond their years.’

Withington has earned the Wellbeing Award for
Schools (WAS), a national accreditation that recognises
our school’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing
of pupils and staff. The report indicates that
Withington demonstrates a mature, embedded and
evolving wellbeing culture.
Pupils reported that if they have any concerns, they
are able to access the pastoral team easily, and staff
consistently make time to speak with them when
needed. They described staff as welcoming and
approachable, stating that they never feel unable to
speak to someone.
Parents shared that they continue to be positively
surprised by the breadth and quality of support
offered. Although the school is widely recognised for
its academic success, they highlighted that it also
actively celebrates culture and fosters a strong sense
of community.
Staff reported that wellbeing is embedded throughout
the entire employee lifecycle. New staff receive a
thorough induction that covers all relevant aspects
of school life, and additional lunchtime sessions are
available during their first term to support transition
and integration.

Wellbeing Award
for Schools
2025 - 2028

Withington Girls’ School, Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL
Registered Charity No. 1158226
Tel: 0161 224 1077

Email: office@wgs.org