Welcome to Leweston
An introduction from Mr Paget-Tomlinson, Head of Leweston School
- Senior
- Welcome from the Headmaster
Welcome to our fantastic school. It is a great privilege to be Headmaster of such a vibrant and engaging community.
At Leweston, we often talk about success. It’s a word that appears in prospectuses, on websites, and in conversations with parents. But what does it really mean?
To us, success is not a single destination—it’s a journey. It’s not just about grades, trophies, or university offers, though we are proud of our pupils who achieve all of these. True success is about discovering who you are, what you value, and how you respond when things don’t go to plan.
We believe that failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of it.
In a world that often celebrates perfection, we teach our pupils that mistakes are not only inevitable, they are essential. They are the stepping stones to growth. Whether it’s a missed goal on the sports field, a disappointing test result, or a friendship that didn’t go as hoped, each experience is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and try again.
At Leweston, we create an environment where pupils feel safe to take those risks. We encourage them to try everything on offer—from debating to drama, coding to climbing—because it’s only through new experiences that they discover their strengths, passions, and resilience.
We will allow them to experience failure, but we will never let them fail. And like you, we will never fail them.
This philosophy is woven into every aspect of school life. It’s why our pupils cheer each other on at sports day, regardless of who finishes first. It’s why our alumni go on to become not just successful professionals—engineers, medics, entrepreneurs—but thoughtful, grounded individuals who lead with integrity and compassion.
We understand that every child’s journey is different. That’s why we personalise learning, support emotional wellbeing, and celebrate effort as much as achievement. We know that confidence doesn’t come from always getting it right—it comes from knowing you can get back up when things go wrong.
To the families who entrust us with their children, we offer more than an education. We offer a partnership. A shared belief that success is about becoming the best version of yourself—kind, curious, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.
So when we talk about success at Leweston, we mean something deeper. We mean the quiet courage to try again. The joy of discovering a hidden talent. The strength to stand up for what’s right. And the confidence to walk into the world knowing who you are.
That, to us, is the true meaning of success.
John Paget-Tomlinson, Headmaster of Leweston School
B.A. (Hons), M.A, MSc, MRes, PGCE.
Leweston Senior School welcomes pupils from Year 7 (age 11) through to Year 11, with a Sixth Form on the same Dorset campus for those who want to continue the journey. We accept day pupils and boarders, weekly, flexi and full and we welcome new joiners at Year 7, Year 9 and, where places exist, at other points too. If you're joining us from Leweston Prep, that transition is by design: familiar faces, the same values, a bigger stage. Find out more about joining Leweston.
"What's different about Leweston? At sports day those coming in at the end of the race are cheered on and supported by those at the front, seeing their team members over the line. That sums up for me what Leweston is all about. Yes, good grades; yes doing better than expected academically, but a strong ethical principle is the backbone that keeps children and staff happy. "
Current Parent
What to expect at Leweston Senior School
Every pupil known by name. At Leweston your child is never just a face in the room. Teachers know how each pupil learns, what they find challenging and what lights them up and that knowledge shapes how they're taught every day, not just at parents' evening. See our academic approach →
Ambition without the pressure cooker. We take results seriously, our pupils go on to universities, apprenticeships and careers they're genuinely excited about but we don't build a culture of anxiety around achievement. The Headmaster's philosophy isn't just words on a page; it shapes how we set homework, how we give feedback and how we celebrate effort alongside outcome. Explore results and destinations →
Pastoral care that actually works. Every pupil has a Form Tutor who follows them through the school and knows them as a whole person. Behind that sits a wider team, a school counsellor, a strong Individual Needs provision, Houseparents for boarders, and a leadership team with an open door. When something isn't right, we notice quickly and we act. Read about pastoral care →
Life beyond the classroom. Over 50 clubs and activities each week, sport from competitive to recreational, equestrian, pentathlon, music, drama, art, DT, the breadth is real, not decorative. The pupils who arrive thinking they're not sporty discover rowing. The ones who arrive thinking they're not creative end up leading the school production. Explore Leweston life →
What the Students Say...
Pippa, Year 8
Ollie, Year 11
Amy, Year 12
Take the Next Step
Why not come and visit Leweston to see why it could be the right fit for your family. Every visit includes a tour as well as the opportunity to meet the Headmaster, teachers and pupils.
You will get to see behind the scenes on a normal teaching day at our school. Get in touch with our friendly admissions team using the button below:
Things families often ask us
Do you require Common Entrance to join in Year 7?
No. We don't use Common Entrance as a condition of entry. Instead, we have our own assessment process which takes place during your child's taster day. We're looking for potential, curiosity and character, not a polished performance. Read about our admissions process →
What if my child wants to join in Year 9 or later?
We welcome new pupils at Year 9 and at other points in the school where places arise. Mid-year joiners and those transferring from other schools often tell us Leweston was the fresh start they needed. Our induction process is careful and personal, your child won't be left to find their feet alone. Find out about joining at different stages →
How does pastoral care work at Leweston Senior School?
Every pupil has a Form Tutor who knows them well, not just academically, but as a person. We also have a dedicated pastoral team, a school counsellor and a strong Individual Needs provision for pupils who need additional support. Wellbeing isn't a bolt-on here; it's part of how we run the school every day. Learn more about pastoral care →
Is Leweston a boarding school or a day school?
Both. Around a third of our Senior pupils board, some full time, some weekly, some just the occasional night. Day pupils are fully part of school life and are welcome to stay for prep, clubs and activities well into the evening. Boarding and day pupils mix naturally; the community doesn't divide neatly into two camps. Explore boarding at Leweston →
Where can I find information about fees and scholarships?
Fees, sibling discounts, bursaries and scholarship opportunities are all set out clearly on our admissions pages. We'd rather you had all the information upfront than wonder whether Leweston is within reach. See Senior School fees and scholarships →