Westbourne School in Penarth wins UK innovation award

Westbourne School was given the title at the Independent Schools Association National Awards 2024.

The ISA Award for Innovation in Independent Education is one of the most prestigious accolades in the independent schools sector - recognising Westbourne’s 'pioneering, forward-thinking approach to enriching learning and improving outcomes for all students aged 2-18.'

Students can learn a range of technologies from an early age (Image: Westbourne School)

Paul Forsythe, principal at Westbourne School, said: "We are so proud to be recognised at the very top national level for the work we are doing to transform the learning experience for every one of our students, from nursery to sixth form.

"Our innovative use of technology, including AI-assisted learning and virtual reality, consistently strengthens the way our students learn, giving them the tools to research deeper and think more broadly."

Westbourne School has launched a "global classroom", which includes real-time virtual link-ups connecting students and teachers across the globe, as well as lessons led by holographic teachers who appear in the room.

This latest technology now supports Westbourne students in Penarth to access not only first-class teaching on-site in the UK campus, but also across the whole group of Westbourne schools - offering unprecedented opportunities to tap into the very best subject specialists, no matter their location or time zone.

A research collaboration with Cardiff University’s School of Neuroscience has supported Westbourne to develop a more innovative approach to improving and developing assessment and feedback for students.

Students working on the school's electric race car (Image: Westbourne School)

The use of a research-backed AI learning platform supports students to advance their learning independently at home, promoting a more secure understanding of their learning journey, as well as a sense of empowerment in everyday study.

Ranked number four in the UK for results in 2024, Westbourne’s innovative approach continues to strengthen outcomes at GCSE and in the IB Diploma, offered in place of A Levels for the edge it gives students in university admissions.

Mr Forsythe added: "Innovation is the very fabric of Westbourne School.

"Our students are more alert than ever to the power of technology to transform their educational experience."