Bowdon Preparatory School empowers girls aged 3–11 to Believe in themselves, Persevere through challenges, and Succeed in their own unique way. Located just minutes from Altrincham town centre, our independent day school combines a warm, nurturing environment with high academic standards — helping every girl flourish inside and outside the classroom.
Every pupil at Bowdon Prep is known, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Our dedicated teachers inspire curiosity and confidence, making learning joyful and meaningful. We balance academic excellence with a rich programme of sport, music, and creative opportunities — developing resilient, kind, and ambitious young women.
In 1983, Bowdon Preparatory School welcomed Mrs Jane Tan as Headmistress and was based on Stamford Road. Under the leadership of Mrs Tan, BPS quickly earned a strong reputation for delivering a traditional education within a close-knit, family environment. In 2011, following the closure of Culcheth Hall School, a charitable trust was formed by parents and former staff to secure the school’s future. Mrs Helen Gee became Head in 2013, strengthening the school’s ethos of encouraging pupils to aim high, challenge themselves, and pursue their passions and in 2024, Mrs Sara Makepeace-Taylor took on the role of Head, bringing a renewed vision while preserving the traditions and values that define Bowdon Prep. Under Mrs Makepeace-Taylor’s guidance the School continues to evolve, combining academic excellence with a strong sense of community, care, and ambition for every pupil.
Bowdon Preparatory School is now home to around 250 pupils and remains the leading preparatory school in the area, celebrating the outstanding achievements of every pupil that passes through the Big Red Door.
Our vision is to continue to be recognised as a leading prep school for girls, providing unforgettable learning experiences that inspire our pupils to believe in themselves and to persevere and succeed in all that they do.
Our mission is to enable pupils to be creative, courageous and ambitious learners through a flexible and rigorous curriculum; to provide outstanding breadth of opportunities and experiences that inspire, captivate and empower them to embrace learning and strive to achieve their personal best; and to support their emotional, social and physical well-being so they delight in the wonders ahead, act as valued role models, and are well equipped as contributors of the future.
Our values guide everything we do: Care for all — creating and nurturing an environment of trust and openness where everyone feels secure, respected and valued; Commitment to excellence — challenging ourselves in the pursuit of excellence across all areas of school life; and Working together — fostering positive and respectful relationships based on compassion, kindness and integrity.
Whether you would like to check availability, discuss entry points, or simply learn more about life at BPS, please contact the Admission team via admissions@bowdonprep.org.uk or call our Admissions Officer, Mrs Sharkey on 0161 928 0678.
