Nestled in the historic town of Stewart Town, Trelawny, Westwood High School stands as a beacon of educational excellence with a legacy spanning over 140 years. Founded in 1882 by Baptist Minister Reverend William Menzie Webb, our institution was established with the revolutionary vision of providing unsegregated education for girls, making it a pioneer in inclusive education during a time when such opportunities were rare.
Today, Westwood High School continues to honor its founding principles while serving both male and female students at the secondary level. In 2014, we proudly reopened our sixth-form programme after a 36-year hiatus, reaffirming our commitment to providing comprehensive educational pathways for our students. As one of only five remaining boarding schools in Jamaica, we offer a unique residential experience that fosters independence, character development, and academic excellence.
What truly sets Westwood apart is our dedication to preserving tradition while embracing progress. We remain the only school in Jamaica to maintain the distinguished tradition of wearing the jippi-jappa (Panama) hat, a symbol of our rich heritage and commitment to excellence. Under the leadership of Principal Karen Francis and guided by our time-honored motto 'Ora et Labore' (Pray and Work), we continue to shape young minds and build tomorrow's leaders.
Our diverse Protestant heritage, represented through our founding board of trustees from various denominations, has instilled in us a spirit of unity, respect, and inclusivity that permeates every aspect of school life. At Westwood High School, we don't just educate students – we nurture confident, capable individuals ready to make their mark on the world.
“Ora et Labore”
Our Mission
At Westwood High School, our mission is to provide exceptional education that nurtures academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth in a diverse and inclusive environment. We are committed to empowering every student to reach their full potential while honoring our rich heritage of educational innovation and community service.
Our Vision
To be Jamaica's premier institution for holistic education, where tradition meets innovation, and where every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become confident leaders and contributing members of society. We envision a school community that continues to break barriers and set new standards for educational excellence.