Moving to a new school can be a difficult transition for children. The usual jitters, worries about making new friends, and adjusting to new routines can be overwhelming, especially in the first few weeks. Maria Perez went through even more. She not only moved to a new school but to another country altogether – from her home in Spain to Leweston School in the heart of Dorset, England.
However, any anxiety she felt was quickly eased from her first day here. A warm and friendly welcome from the teachers and other pupils ensured that.
“People started to introduce themselves and include me in conversations, which made it much easier to settle in,” she says. “I made friends easily. They made me feel at home, even though I was far away from Spain.”
That is what every pupil here gets – a sense of belonging where they feel recognised, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential, regardless of whether they come from five minutes or 5,000 miles away. This approach reflects the school’s ethos of personalised attention and strong relationships.
Leweston School offers a globally respected British education within a nurturing full-boarding environment, ideal for international families prioritising academic excellence and emotional well-being. In 2024 and 2025, the school was shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Student Careers, building on a long reputation for pupils achieving as much as three GCSE grades above baseline testing.
It’s a preparation for success that starts from their very first day. Here, pupils follow a curriculum that mixes classroom rigour with hands-on projects, urging them to think strategically about their next steps. This focused teaching happens in small class sizes, usually no more than 20 pupils.
“The small classes mean you never feel left behind,” Perez says. “Teachers notice when you need help and are always available to explain things in a way that works for you. It makes lessons more interactive and personal, and I’ve definitely grown more confident in my studies.”
The upstairs-downstairs approach makes for a unique boarding experience. Source: Leweston School
Boarding at Leweston: Where every child is truly known and supported
Every family has different needs but most value strong pastoral care, safety, structure, and a vibrant social calendar. Leweston’s boarding programme offers all of this and more. It helps pupils thrive socially and emotionally while preparing for top universities worldwide, the likes of Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.
What further sets the boarding programme apart is the fact that boarders live in the main school buildings rather than separate houses. It’s a unique approach that bonds boarders with day pupils, creating a unified, inclusive community.
Houseparents are at the heart of this boarding community. Once boarders themselves, they bring years of experience, personal insight, and empathy to the role. Having been there, they evoke trust and reassurance amongst pupils, especially during those early weeks when homesickness, cultural adjustment, or uncertainties may arise.
International pupils like Maria can access even more support. Apart from a warm welcome into the diverse community, they also receive tailored induction, English language assistance, and cultural integration via year-round events. Recently, the school held a week-long celebration of European languages, with German, Italian and Spanish lunches in its dining hall. Soon, it’s set to host a Christmas Market with lots of gifts, cheer, and seasonal spirit. Leweston also has a dedicated Director of International Students whose role is to support overseas pupils both academically and pastorally, advocating for them within the school community.
“Ultimately, Leweston’s pastoral care is about creating a home from home,” Headmaster John Paget-Tomlinson says. “Through strong relationships, personalised attention, and a culture of warmth and inclusion, we ensure every pupil, wherever they come from, feels safe and supported.”
When he stepped into the role in January 2020, the school that had only recently transitioned to co-education, with only 22 senior boys, a Sixth Form of 40 and 195 senior pupils. Today, it has grown to a sixth form of 90 and senior roll of 360, with an almost 50:50 gender ratio. This tenure, plus past roles in lecturing, teaching, research, and business management, provide him with “a detailed knowledge of the practical requirements of leading a school.”
By practical, Paget-Tomlinson means being hands-on. “Leweston is a school where every child is known and supported, and that begins with a personal connection,” he says. “By welcoming families myself, I ensure that from the very first start they feel part of our community.”
Paget-Tomlinson designates a Year 7 class for him to teach each year, allowing him to connect with the new intake and be directly involved with their day-to-day needs. He also teaches A Level History and will begin teaching Politics from September 2026.
Regardless of age, Leweston School encourages all pupils to try everything. Source: Leweston School
A rich life beyond the classroom
Leweston’s “try everything” philosophy encourages pupils to explore their interests, whether in the classroom, on stage, or out on the field.
“Some of my best memories are from trying new activities. I’ve enjoyed sports and creative projects that I probably wouldn’t have experienced otherwise,” Perez says. “I have had the opportunity to participate in various competitions and exams, such as a pellet shooting competition, a LAMDA exam, and the B2 English exam. These opportunities gave me a chance to discover new talents and connect with different people from school.”
Equestrian stands out. Through the Leweston Chedington Riding Academy, pupils of all levels can learn to ride, compete nationally, or even prepare for a future in the equine industry. The academy believes in making equestrian sports accessible to all, providing unparalleled opportunities for pupils to learn to ride and care for horses as well as a unique curriculum that enhances academic excellence by integrating equitation from Year 5 to Year 8, offering the BHS Challenge and Stage 2 qualification to Years 10 and 11, and BTEC Level 3 qualifications in Sixth Form.
