Admissions at Bowdon Prep

Admissions


We are delighted that you are considering Bowdon Prep 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 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.


Complete our ‘Online Enquiry Form’ to check availability, or email Mrs Sharkey directly at admissions@bowdonprep.org.uk

Explore Our School Stages

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.

Instagram
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
​"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
A journey measured in years, not weeks...

​From walking into Kindergarten holding mum’s hand at age three to stepping up as a confident Year 6 pupil, this journey captures the very heart of Bowdon Prep.

​We aren’t defined solely by assessments - they are simply one milestone along the way. Our real focus has always been high everyday standards paired with exceptional pastoral support, nurturing well-rounded pupils who thrive in everything they do.

​When grammar school assessments do approach, our preparation reflects that same steady care: gradual formal practice in Year 5, exam strategies mastered, summer school completed, and clear personal targets shared between teachers, parents, and pupils every step of the way.

​As our Year 6 cohort looks ahead to the 14th of September, they aren’t facing the unknown. They’re stepping forward with quiet self-belief and a school community that has championed them from day one.

​Believe. Persevere. Succeed. 

​Wishing our wonderful Year 6 pupils the very best of luck!

Discover our balanced, supportive approach to learning. Link in bio to book your personal tour.

#Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #BeBowdon

@isaschools @reptonschool @reptonprep
There is something truly special about the morning in Early Years and Pre-Prep...

With their boundless energy, endless curiosity, and growing independence with each passing day, you witness a magic down these corridors that sets you up for the whole day.

In a historic week where our boys and girls are learning and playing side by side as we welcome co-education, watching new friendships form so naturally fills our hearts with joy.

Same Values. New Chapter. 

#Bowdon #Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #EYFS 

@isaschools @reptonschool @reptonprep @mumsdadsmagazine @cheshire.live @muddystilettosschools @muddycheshire @muddystilettos @insiderscheshire
Bowdon Prep has officially gone co-ed.

Yesterday marked an historic milestone as we proudly welcomed our very first boys through the doors into Kindergarten to Year 3.

What makes Bowdon Prep special remains constant: high academic standards, small class sizes, exceptional pastoral care, and an environment where every child thrives.

Same values. New chapter.

Get in touch with our admissions team and arrange a personal tour via the link in our bio.

#Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #firstday
The calm before the brilliant storm…

​Today, our corridors and classrooms sit in peaceful stillness. But tomorrow, a truly historic chapter begins.

​For the very first time, we welcome both boys and girls through our doors, expanding our warm, caring community and filling every corner with laughter, discovery, and new friendships.

​Get a good night’s rest, Bowdon Prep. Tomorrow, we believe, we persevere, and we succeed together.

​See you all in the morning!

@reptonschool @reptonprep @altrinchamtoday @mumsdadsmagazine @insiderscheshire @independentschoolparent @iscschools 

#PrepSchool #Hale #Altrincham #Firstday #newterm
Same Values. New Chapter.

​While our classrooms are quiet for the summer holidays, our Admissions Team remains active and ready to help you.

​We are currently welcoming enquiries for September 2026 and beyond. This includes places for girls across all year groups, as well as boys entering Kindergarten, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3.

​If you are considering Bowdon Prep for your child, please do get in touch with us over the break to ask any questions or to secure a personalised tour of our school.

​Email: admissions@bowdonprep.org.uk or see the link in our bio to register your interest.

@isaschools @insiderscheshire @mumsdadsmagazine @cheshire.live @altrinchamhq @altrinchamtoday @reptonschool @reptonprep @independentschoolparent @iscschools @independent_street_ @knutsford_life 

#Hale #Bowdon #Altrincham #prepschool #admissions
Reflecting on our Leavers’ Assembly last Friday, we could not be more proud of our Year 6 pupils.

The day was a beautiful showcase of excellence. From the stunning musical performances and uplifting choral pieces to the poise and passion with which our leavers spoke, their confidence shone brightly as they reflected on their journey at BPS.

There were tears, of course, from pupils, parents, and staff alike, but above all, there was an overwhelming sense of pride. These incredible young people truly embody our vision to Believe, Persevere, and Succeed.

Class of 2026, you are officially ready to fly. We will miss you immensely, but we know you are going to do amazing things.

@isaschools @cheshire.live @insiderscheshire @altrinchamtoday @independentschoolparent @iscschools @mumsdadsmagazine 

#Bowdon #Altrincham #PrepSchool #LeaversAssembly #Year6
At Bowdon Prep, we take sport seriously.

Yesterday’s Sports Day proved exactly why. From Kindergarten through to Year 6, our pupils brought immense focus, determination, and a competitive edge to the field.

Taking sport seriously is about building resilience. Our pupils delivered on every front, balancing that drive to win perfectly with an exceptional sporting spirit and non-stop support for their peers.

It was a total scorcher of a day, and every single pupil shone.

Join us in thanking our incredible PE team in the comments below.

@isasportuk @reptonsport @mumsdadsmagazine @britishathletics @insiderscheshire @altrinchamtoday @isaschools 

#Bowdon #Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #sportsday
A little sneak peek behind the scenes...

Our incredible Chamber Choir, made up of our wonderful Year 5 and 6 pupils, has been working so hard preparing for Friday’s Leavers’ Assembly. Under the remarkable leadership of Mrs. Stiles and Mrs. Fan, they sound absolutely beautiful.

Friday is undoubtedly going to be an emotional rollercoaster as we say farewell to this special group of children. Mrs. Hughes even popped in to watch the rehearsal (safely out of shot!) to get her first round of tears out of the way early!

Grab your tissues, everyone. It’s going to be a memorable Friday.

#Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool