Bowdon Preparatory School Bowdon Preparatory School Bowdon Preparatory School
Kindergarten Pre-Prep Prep
Visit Us Admissions Contact Us
Follow us
HomeAdmissions

Admissions


We are delighted you are considering Bowdon Preparatory School for your child’s education. Choosing the right school is an important decision, and our Admissions Officer, Mrs Sharkey, is here to make the process as smooth, personal, and reassuring as possible.

Bowdon Prep school is proudly non-selective. Places are offered based on availability and our ability to support each child’s individual needs, ensuring that every pupil who joins our community is set up to flourish. Because class sizes are kept small, our primary entry intakes are Kindergarten and Reception, though occasional vacancies do arise across other year groups.

Explore this page to watch welcome messages from our Heads of Department, hear directly from our parents and pupils on video about what makes BPS special, and find the easiest ways to arrange a personal visit.


Begin Your Journey

We would very pleased to welcome your family to Bowdon Preparatory School and the best way to discover our school and its community is to experience it for yourself.

Enquire & Book a Personalised Tour

Complete our ‘Online Enquiry Form’ to check place availability for your child. Please email Mrs Sharkey, our Admissions Officer directly at admissions@bowdonprep.org.uk to arrange a bespoke tour tailored to your schedule and your child’s year group.

Upcoming Open Day

Tuesday 17 November 2026 | 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Join us for our whole-school Open Day to experience first-hand the vibrant atmosphere, meet our staff and explore our facilities – Register for our open day.

Kindergarten


Children can start with us during the term they turn 3 years old in our two Kindergarten classes. There is no entrance assessment; families simply join us for an informal Stay and Play session so your child can explore, play, and feel instantly at home.

Pre-Prep


Our main intake is at 4+ into Reception, with occasional places available in Years 1 and 2. Entry requires no formal assessment; prospective pupils join us for a friendly classroom Taster Session to meet their teacher and experience learning at BPS.

Prep


Places are available depending on vacancies across Years 3 to 6. Entry includes a formal entrance assessment, a comprehensive report from your child’s current school, and a Taster Day paired with a pupil buddy to experience lessons, activities and school life.

Testimonials

From Prep to Senior: Navigating the 11+ Transition

Instagram

How do you capture this much happiness in under 60 seconds?

A short video can’t quite hold the sheer warmth, energy, and gratitude that filled our hall over our two Harvest assemblies.

Across both celebrations, both Mrs Makepeace-Taylor and Rev Andrew spoke movingly of what Harvest truly represents. These messages align so naturally with our school values: caring for all, working together, and showing compassion to our wider community.

Moments like these are truly special. They reflect our pupils` commitment to excellence, the careful preparation behind the scenes, and the delight the children bring to all of us adults.

To see the whole school community come together is magical, first with classes performing so brilliantly for each other, and today with our littlest Early Years pupils welcoming their families.

Proud hearts, smiling faces, and pure, simple joy.

#Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #Cheshire #HarvestFestival

@isaschools @reptonschool @reptonprep

86 3
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18633742579009182
How do you capture this much happiness in under 60 seconds? A short video can’t quite hold the sheer warmth, energy, and gratitude that filled our hall over our two Harvest assemblies. Across both celebrations, both Mrs Makepeace-Taylor and Rev Andrew spoke movingly of what Harvest truly represents. These messages align so naturally with our school values: caring for all, working together, and showing compassion to our wider community. Moments like these are truly special. They reflect our pupils' commitment to excellence, the careful preparation behind the scenes, and the delight the children bring to all of us adults. To see the whole school community come together is magical, first with classes performing so brilliantly for each other, and today with our littlest Early Years pupils welcoming their families. Proud hearts, smiling faces, and pure, simple joy. #Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #Cheshire #HarvestFestival @isaschools @reptonschool @reptonprep

The response across admissions has been incredible, particularly for our 2027/28 Reception intake. Our smooth transition to becoming proudly co-ed has brought brilliant energy to the school, and this demand is a true credit to our staff and the everyday warmth of Bowdon Prep.

​What do our personal tours look like? Visiting families are welcomed by our Headteacher, Mrs Makepeace-Taylor, and also get the chance to meet Mrs Oakley, Head of Lower School. Families are then guided by our Year 6 pupils. Leading these tours is a cherished rite of passage for them. After all, it is their school, and they remain our greatest advocates. Afterwards, parents sit down with Mrs Makepeace-Taylor over coffee for an open discussion about life at BPS.

​Looking ahead, we already have 16 families booked for our Open Morning on Tuesday 17th November. However, with Reception places filling so quickly, we highly recommend visiting sooner to secure your spot. We also have places available for our 2027/28 Kindergarten cohort.

​Tap the link in our bio to register for the Open Day, or contact our Admissions Officer, Mrs Sharkey, to arrange a personal tour beforehand.

#Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #PrepSchool

@reptonschool @reptonprep @isaschools @altrinchamtoday @cheshire.live @knutsford_life @mumsdadsmagazine

42 0
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 17970836607159713
The response across admissions has been incredible, particularly for our 2027/28 Reception intake. Our smooth transition to becoming proudly co-ed has brought brilliant energy to the school, and this demand is a true credit to our staff and the everyday warmth of Bowdon Prep. ​What do our personal tours look like? Visiting families are welcomed by our Headteacher, Mrs Makepeace-Taylor, and also get the chance to meet Mrs Oakley, Head of Lower School. Families are then guided by our Year 6 pupils. Leading these tours is a cherished rite of passage for them. After all, it is their school, and they remain our greatest advocates. Afterwards, parents sit down with Mrs Makepeace-Taylor over coffee for an open discussion about life at BPS. ​Looking ahead, we already have 16 families booked for our Open Morning on Tuesday 17th November. However, with Reception places filling so quickly, we highly recommend visiting sooner to secure your spot. We also have places available for our 2027/28 Kindergarten cohort. ​Tap the link in our bio to register for the Open Day, or contact our Admissions Officer, Mrs Sharkey, to arrange a personal tour beforehand. #Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #PrepSchool @reptonschool @reptonprep @isaschools @altrinchamtoday @cheshire.live @knutsford_life @mumsdadsmagazine

Phenomenal success at the ISA North Art Competition!

​We are incredibly proud to celebrate our talented pupils, who took home top honours across the region last week. Our young artists secured 1st Place in both Drawing and 2D Painting, alongside fantastic 2nd Place awards for a beautiful Sketchbook and an imaginative Fashion Bag design.

​A special thank you to our Head of Art, Mrs. Chapman, for continually inspiring our pupils and nurturing such a vibrant creative environment. Seeing this level of dedication and originality in our classrooms every single day is a wonderful reflection of our school vision: Believe, Persevere, Succeed.

​The excitement continues as our two first-place winning pieces head off to represent BPS at the National competition this November!

Please join us in congratulating all our brilliant artists in the comments below.

#Cheshire #Hale #PrepSchool #Altrincham #Art

78 5
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 17942858973085352
Phenomenal success at the ISA North Art Competition! ​We are incredibly proud to celebrate our talented pupils, who took home top honours across the region last week. Our young artists secured 1st Place in both Drawing and 2D Painting, alongside fantastic 2nd Place awards for a beautiful Sketchbook and an imaginative Fashion Bag design. ​A special thank you to our Head of Art, Mrs. Chapman, for continually inspiring our pupils and nurturing such a vibrant creative environment. Seeing this level of dedication and originality in our classrooms every single day is a wonderful reflection of our school vision: Believe, Persevere, Succeed. ​The excitement continues as our two first-place winning pieces head off to represent BPS at the National competition this November! Please join us in congratulating all our brilliant artists in the comments below. #Cheshire #Hale #PrepSchool #Altrincham #Art

Inspired by Tony Walsh. This is the place. This is Bowdon Prep.

​From big grins behind Victorian doors to bright minds reaching for the sky, this is where foundations are laid and courageous futures begin.

​"With steps that are small, but with futures so wide, this is our Bowdon, our joy, and our pride."

#Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #thisistheplace #Manchester

@tonywalshpoet @reptonschool @reptonprep @isaschools @altrinchamtoday @waterstonesaltrincham @bevcraig @mumsdadsmagazine @raring2goaltrincham @insiderscheshire @oakfieldnurseryschool @ilovemanchester

83 3
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18113877479325916
Inspired by Tony Walsh. This is the place. This is Bowdon Prep. ​From big grins behind Victorian doors to bright minds reaching for the sky, this is where foundations are laid and courageous futures begin. ​"With steps that are small, but with futures so wide, this is our Bowdon, our joy, and our pride." #Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #thisistheplace #Manchester @tonywalshpoet @reptonschool @reptonprep @isaschools @altrinchamtoday @waterstonesaltrincham @bevcraig @mumsdadsmagazine @raring2goaltrincham @insiderscheshire @oakfieldnurseryschool @ilovemanchester

RECEPTION 2027/28 IS ALREADY 90% FULL

“We now welcome both girls and boys through our big red doors! We all share the same high standards, but it’s our amazing sense of belonging that makes us completely unique."

Our transition to co-education is in full swing, and demand for 2027/28 is incredible. Kindergarten is filling fast, and our Reception classes are already 90% full, with boys making up 35% of our new sign-ups!

To celebrate, we’ve unveiled fantastic new outdoor spaces, interactive sand areas, and mud kitchens for our early years learners to explore.

Experience the warmth of Bowdon Prep for yourself. With only a few Reception places remaining, register for our Open Day on Tuesday 17th November, or book a personal tour via the link in our bio!

BPS. Same Values. New Chapter.

#Bowdon #Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #SchoolAdmissions

@reptonschool @reptonsport @reptonprep @isaschools @insiderscheshire @mumsdadsmagazine @altrinchamtoday @cheshire.live @knutsford_life @knutsford_now @oakfieldnurseryschool @independentschoolparent @raring2goaltrincham

114 3
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18070049216765298
RECEPTION 2027/28 IS ALREADY 90% FULL “We now welcome both girls and boys through our big red doors! We all share the same high standards, but it’s our amazing sense of belonging that makes us completely unique." Our transition to co-education is in full swing, and demand for 2027/28 is incredible. Kindergarten is filling fast, and our Reception classes are already 90% full, with boys making up 35% of our new sign-ups! To celebrate, we’ve unveiled fantastic new outdoor spaces, interactive sand areas, and mud kitchens for our early years learners to explore. Experience the warmth of Bowdon Prep for yourself. With only a few Reception places remaining, register for our Open Day on Tuesday 17th November, or book a personal tour via the link in our bio! BPS. Same Values. New Chapter. #Bowdon #Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #SchoolAdmissions @reptonschool @reptonsport @reptonprep @isaschools @insiderscheshire @mumsdadsmagazine @altrinchamtoday @cheshire.live @knutsford_life @knutsford_now @oakfieldnurseryschool @independentschoolparent @raring2goaltrincham

Learning through laughter and messy hands...

Sometimes the simplest activities offer the richest learning. Today we introduced the children to the magic of colour mixing in a very hands-on way.

As you can see in the video, we guided the children in pairs to mix paint on their hands. This kind of adult-led modeling is a fantastic way to spark curiosity. There was so much laughter and lots of excited `wows!` as they watched red and blue turn into purple right in front of them.

This shared experiment perfectly set the stage for them to explore the colours independently later in the morning.

Would you try this at home?

#Hale #Altrincham #prepschool #bebowdon

@isaschools @isaartsuk @reptonschool @reptonprep

61 1
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18079583369354987
Learning through laughter and messy hands... Sometimes the simplest activities offer the richest learning. Today we introduced the children to the magic of colour mixing in a very hands-on way. As you can see in the video, we guided the children in pairs to mix paint on their hands. This kind of adult-led modeling is a fantastic way to spark curiosity. There was so much laughter and lots of excited 'wows!' as they watched red and blue turn into purple right in front of them. This shared experiment perfectly set the stage for them to explore the colours independently later in the morning. Would you try this at home? #Hale #Altrincham #prepschool #bebowdon @isaschools @isaartsuk @reptonschool @reptonprep

Netball season is officially underway!

​Our Year 6 squad kicked things off with a fantastic first match against Scarisbrick Hall School, bringing great energy and teamwork back to the court.

Across the Prep, netball clubs are in full swing, with our younger pupils already busy sharpening their core skills.

​Thank you to @scarisbrick_hall_school for visiting us for a great game. We’re looking forward to a packed term of fixtures, tournaments, and team spirit ahead!

#Altrincham #Cheshire #Hale #PrepSchool #netball

@isasportuk @isaschools @reptonschool @reptonsport

59 0
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18087913355481867
Netball season is officially underway! ​Our Year 6 squad kicked things off with a fantastic first match against Scarisbrick Hall School, bringing great energy and teamwork back to the court. Across the Prep, netball clubs are in full swing, with our younger pupils already busy sharpening their core skills. ​Thank you to @scarisbrick_hall_school for visiting us for a great game. We’re looking forward to a packed term of fixtures, tournaments, and team spirit ahead! #Altrincham #Cheshire #Hale #PrepSchool #netball @isasportuk @isaschools @reptonschool @reptonsport

Building a strong foundation for reading starts with consistency, both in the classroom and at home.

​At Bowdon Prep, we use Little Wandle Phonics to give our pupils a clear, engaging approach to early literacy that builds confidence, fluency, and a lifelong love of reading. A vital part of that journey is our school-home partnership: when parents and teachers speak the same phonics language, children are supported at every single step.

​In this video, our Head of Lower School, Mrs Oakley, introduces why this consistent whole-school approach is so integral to our community, before taking you inside the classroom to see how our small class sizes allow Mrs Cayzer to give tailored, focused attention during a phonics lesson.

#Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #PrepSchool #LittleWandle

@isaschools
@reptonschool
@reptonprep
@oakfieldnurseryschool

60 0
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18139258327615718
Building a strong foundation for reading starts with consistency, both in the classroom and at home. ​At Bowdon Prep, we use Little Wandle Phonics to give our pupils a clear, engaging approach to early literacy that builds confidence, fluency, and a lifelong love of reading. A vital part of that journey is our school-home partnership: when parents and teachers speak the same phonics language, children are supported at every single step. ​In this video, our Head of Lower School, Mrs Oakley, introduces why this consistent whole-school approach is so integral to our community, before taking you inside the classroom to see how our small class sizes allow Mrs Cayzer to give tailored, focused attention during a phonics lesson. #Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #PrepSchool #LittleWandle @isaschools @reptonschool @reptonprep @oakfieldnurseryschool

Monday mornings do not get much sweeter than this!

​Both Reception classes arrived today to the loveliest surprise. They got to meet Rocky, the tiniest member of our school family!

​At just 3 years old, this little Horsefield tortoise has already stolen every single heart across Reception. The classrooms were filled with pure joy, gentle whispers, and wide-eyed wonder as the children met him for the very first time.

​Welcome to Reception, Rocky!

We cannot wait to watch you grow alongside many a BPS child.

#Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #Cheshire

@isaschools
@reptonschool
@reptonprep

84 2
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18073158626738487
Monday mornings do not get much sweeter than this! ​Both Reception classes arrived today to the loveliest surprise. They got to meet Rocky, the tiniest member of our school family! ​At just 3 years old, this little Horsefield tortoise has already stolen every single heart across Reception. The classrooms were filled with pure joy, gentle whispers, and wide-eyed wonder as the children met him for the very first time. ​Welcome to Reception, Rocky! We cannot wait to watch you grow alongside many a BPS child. #Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #Cheshire @isaschools @reptonschool @reptonprep

If a picture paints a thousand words, these smiles tell the whole story.

Just two weeks in, our co-educational journey is in full swing, and the corridors are buzzing with pure joy and excitement. The same cherished values, an inspiring new chapter, and an incredible community uniting every single day.

At the very heart of this seamless transition is our Headteacher, Mrs. Makepeace-Taylor. Her vision, passion, and warmth have ensured that everything has aligned brilliantly for our pupils, parents, and staff alike. She could not be happier or prouder to see our whole school thriving side by side.

There is so much more to look forward to this year, so watch this space.

#Bowdon #Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #PrepSchool

@isaschools @reptonschool @reptonprep @mumsdadsmagazine @raring2goaltrincham @altrinchamtoday @cheshire.live @insiderscheshire @thecheshiremagazine @independentschoolparent @iscschools @muddycheshire @muddystilettosschools

117 3
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18101457355995741
If a picture paints a thousand words, these smiles tell the whole story. Just two weeks in, our co-educational journey is in full swing, and the corridors are buzzing with pure joy and excitement. The same cherished values, an inspiring new chapter, and an incredible community uniting every single day. At the very heart of this seamless transition is our Headteacher, Mrs. Makepeace-Taylor. Her vision, passion, and warmth have ensured that everything has aligned brilliantly for our pupils, parents, and staff alike. She could not be happier or prouder to see our whole school thriving side by side. There is so much more to look forward to this year, so watch this space. #Bowdon #Hale #Altrincham #Cheshire #PrepSchool @isaschools @reptonschool @reptonprep @mumsdadsmagazine @raring2goaltrincham @altrinchamtoday @cheshire.live @insiderscheshire @thecheshiremagazine @independentschoolparent @iscschools @muddycheshire @muddystilettosschools

​"I would absolutely have no hesitation in recommending BPS."

​When choosing a school, nothing speaks quite like hearing from a family who has walked the path from start to finish.

​We caught up with Dr Fox to look back on his child’s journey through Bowdon Prep. From the breadth of opportunities across academics, sports, and creative arts, to the warm, supportive atmosphere and detailed personal feedback from our teaching team, his verdict says it all:

​"It’s been brilliant."

​A huge thank you to Dr Fox for sharing his experience. Preparing pupils to Believe, Persevere, and Succeed is a shared journey, and it is a privilege to walk it alongside our families.

​Book a personal tour to discover the Bowdon Prep difference for your family. Visit the link in our bio.

#Bowdon #Altrincham #PrepSchool #Cheshire #parentvoices

@reptonschool
@reptonprep
@isaschools @mumsdadsmagazine @muddycheshire @muddystilettosschools @independentschoolparent @iscschools

53 0
Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18616516612008627
​"I would absolutely have no hesitation in recommending BPS." ​When choosing a school, nothing speaks quite like hearing from a family who has walked the path from start to finish. ​We caught up with Dr Fox to look back on his child’s journey through Bowdon Prep. From the breadth of opportunities across academics, sports, and creative arts, to the warm, supportive atmosphere and detailed personal feedback from our teaching team, his verdict says it all: ​"It’s been brilliant." ​A huge thank you to Dr Fox for sharing his experience. Preparing pupils to Believe, Persevere, and Succeed is a shared journey, and it is a privilege to walk it alongside our families. ​Book a personal tour to discover the Bowdon Prep difference for your family. Visit the link in our bio. #Bowdon #Altrincham #PrepSchool #Cheshire #parentvoices @reptonschool @reptonprep @isaschools @mumsdadsmagazine @muddycheshire @muddystilettosschools @independentschoolparent @iscschools