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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

At Bowdon Prep, we are incredibly proud of the talented young musicians who fill our school with music every single day.

From taking individual lessons with our expert peri teachers to performing live in front of the whole school in assembly, musical talent is truly celebrated here.

Watch our fantastic Year 6 pupil showcase her skills with two iconic pieces back-to-back!

The only question left is... are you Team Potter or Team Bond? Let us know in the comments!

#Altrincham #Cheshire #piano #JamesBond #HarryPotter

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Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18120400504766008
At Bowdon Prep, we are incredibly proud of the talented young musicians who fill our school with music every single day. From taking individual lessons with our expert peri teachers to performing live in front of the whole school in assembly, musical talent is truly celebrated here. Watch our fantastic Year 6 pupil showcase her skills with two iconic pieces back-to-back! The only question left is... are you Team Potter or Team Bond? Let us know in the comments! #Altrincham #Cheshire #piano #JamesBond #HarryPotter

NOW PROUDLY CO-ED | OPEN MORNING & ADMISSIONS UPDATE

The response to our transition to co-education has been wonderful! Demand for Reception 2027/28 has been remarkably high, with classes filling rapidly and almost 40% of sign-ups being boys as families embrace our new chapter.

We also have limited availability remaining across Years 1 and 2, and we are delighted to welcome applications for places across our Prep Department.

Experience the warmth of Bowdon Prep for yourself. Join us for our Open Morning on Tuesday 17th November (9.30am to 11.30am) to explore our vibrant classrooms, meet our dedicated team, and see our thriving co-ed community in action.

Can`t make the date? Book a personalised individual tour at a time that suits your family.

Booking is essential. Register for Open Morning or arrange your personal tour via the link in our bio.

Bowdon Prep.
Proudly Co-ed.

#Altrincham #Hale #Cheshire #PrepSchool #openevent

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

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Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18002055698807015
NOW PROUDLY CO-ED | OPEN MORNING & ADMISSIONS UPDATE The response to our transition to co-education has been wonderful! Demand for Reception 2027/28 has been remarkably high, with classes filling rapidly and almost 40% of sign-ups being boys as families embrace our new chapter. We also have limited availability remaining across Years 1 and 2, and we are delighted to welcome applications for places across our Prep Department. Experience the warmth of Bowdon Prep for yourself. Join us for our Open Morning on Tuesday 17th November (9.30am to 11.30am) to explore our vibrant classrooms, meet our dedicated team, and see our thriving co-ed community in action. Can't make the date? Book a personalised individual tour at a time that suits your family. Booking is essential. Register for Open Morning or arrange your personal tour via the link in our bio. Bowdon Prep. Proudly Co-ed. #Altrincham #Hale #Cheshire #PrepSchool #openevent @reptonschool @reptonsport @reptonprep @isaschools @insiderscheshire @mumsdadsmagazine @cheshire.live @knutsford_life @knutsford_now @oakfieldnurseryschool @independentschoolparent @raring2goaltrincham

Stepping back in time to the Victorian era...

Our Year 5 pupils enjoyed a brilliant, action-packed trip to Quarry Bank Mill! Bringing their reading of Street Child vividly to life, they immersed themselves in Victorian history as they explored the cotton mill, saw the historic machinery in action, and discovered what daily life was really like for young workers.

A particularly special moment came during an interactive drama session. When the actor rang his bell to step out of character, our pupils spontaneously broke into a warm round of applause without any prompting at all. The adults in the room couldn’t have been prouder of their engagement, respect, and maturity. A true mark of a Bowdon Prep pupil.

A huge thank you to Mrs Delph for organising such a fantastic trip, and to Mrs Wyers and Mrs Lewis for supporting us!

Finally, thank you @ntquarrybank for providing such an enjoyable and engaging visit.

#Altrincham #Hale #Cheshire #PrepSchool

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Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18108137963260537
Stepping back in time to the Victorian era... Our Year 5 pupils enjoyed a brilliant, action-packed trip to Quarry Bank Mill! Bringing their reading of Street Child vividly to life, they immersed themselves in Victorian history as they explored the cotton mill, saw the historic machinery in action, and discovered what daily life was really like for young workers. A particularly special moment came during an interactive drama session. When the actor rang his bell to step out of character, our pupils spontaneously broke into a warm round of applause without any prompting at all. The adults in the room couldn’t have been prouder of their engagement, respect, and maturity. A true mark of a Bowdon Prep pupil. A huge thank you to Mrs Delph for organising such a fantastic trip, and to Mrs Wyers and Mrs Lewis for supporting us! Finally, thank you @ntquarrybank for providing such an enjoyable and engaging visit. #Altrincham #Hale #Cheshire #PrepSchool

History in the making this Friday!

For the first time in Bowdon Prep history, our Year 6 team is stepping out to play our very first match in a football tournament in Timperley, organised by @altrinchamfc

The excitement around the team is palpable. Our brand-new goals were put up today and already stand proudly on the pitches, where the sound of the ball hitting the back of the net all afternoon has been pure magic to our ears!

In the iconic words of the late, great Kevin Keegan... we’d “LOVE IT, ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT” if you dropped a comment below to wish the team the best of luck!

@lionesses @altrinchamfcwomen @isasportuk

#Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #Football #girlsfootball

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Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18092654969682262
History in the making this Friday! For the first time in Bowdon Prep history, our Year 6 team is stepping out to play our very first match in a football tournament in Timperley, organised by @altrinchamfc The excitement around the team is palpable. Our brand-new goals were put up today and already stand proudly on the pitches, where the sound of the ball hitting the back of the net all afternoon has been pure magic to our ears! In the iconic words of the late, great Kevin Keegan... we’d “LOVE IT, ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT” if you dropped a comment below to wish the team the best of luck! @lionesses @altrinchamfcwomen @isasportuk #Hale #Altrincham #PrepSchool #Football #girlsfootball

Following on from our spotlight on phonics in Year 1, this week we are in Kindergarten to see where that early reading magic begins!

​Believe it or not, these pupils are only 3 years old. Phonics in Kindergarten starts with short, engaging group bursts, followed by purposeful play where Mrs Ward works 1:1 with each child.

​In the clip, you will see our youngest learners exploring wordless books. Free from text to decode, these richly illustrated books spark deep conversation, build inference skills, and foster a genuine love for stories. Every pupil also chooses a storybook from our school library each week to take home.

​We believe early reading is a true team effort. Our Friday newsletter keeps parents completely in the loop with a clear review of this week`s sounds and a look ahead to next week, so learning at home feels seamless and fun.

#Altrincham #Hale #PrepSchool #Cheshire

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Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18098232845084563
Following on from our spotlight on phonics in Year 1, this week we are in Kindergarten to see where that early reading magic begins! ​Believe it or not, these pupils are only 3 years old. Phonics in Kindergarten starts with short, engaging group bursts, followed by purposeful play where Mrs Ward works 1:1 with each child. ​In the clip, you will see our youngest learners exploring wordless books. Free from text to decode, these richly illustrated books spark deep conversation, build inference skills, and foster a genuine love for stories. Every pupil also chooses a storybook from our school library each week to take home. ​We believe early reading is a true team effort. Our Friday newsletter keeps parents completely in the loop with a clear review of this week's sounds and a look ahead to next week, so learning at home feels seamless and fun. #Altrincham #Hale #PrepSchool #Cheshire

We are delighted to share a message from Mr. Wilton, Head of Educational Partnerships for the Repton Family of Schools. In this video, he discusses our exciting partnership and the incredible benefits it brings to our community.

By sharing specialist knowledge and expertise, we are perfectly positioned to deliver the very best outcomes for our pupils, further enhancing the truly rounded education that Bowdon Prep is known for.

While this collaboration ensures a strong, vibrant future for Bowdon Prep in a changing educational landscape, the heart of our school remains completely unchanged. Mrs Makepeace-Taylor and her leadership team continue to guide our day-to-day life, preserving the unique identity and nurturing environment that defines us.

#Cheshire #Hale #Altrincham #Repton

@reptonschool
@reptonsport
@reptonprep

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Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18030943055682097
We are delighted to share a message from Mr. Wilton, Head of Educational Partnerships for the Repton Family of Schools. In this video, he discusses our exciting partnership and the incredible benefits it brings to our community. By sharing specialist knowledge and expertise, we are perfectly positioned to deliver the very best outcomes for our pupils, further enhancing the truly rounded education that Bowdon Prep is known for. While this collaboration ensures a strong, vibrant future for Bowdon Prep in a changing educational landscape, the heart of our school remains completely unchanged. Mrs Makepeace-Taylor and her leadership team continue to guide our day-to-day life, preserving the unique identity and nurturing environment that defines us. #Cheshire #Hale #Altrincham #Repton @reptonschool @reptonsport @reptonprep

Practical science is best, especially when led by specialist expertise!

Our Year 3 pupils had a fantastic time bringing pollination to life, sculpting detailed flower models out of plasticine before dressing up as busy insects to "collect" pollen around the classroom. Acting out the role of pollinators gave the pupils a hands-on understanding of how insects transfer pollen between flowers so plants can produce seeds and reproduce.

At Bowdon Prep, Science is taught as a specialist subject from Year 3. Our Head of Science, Mrs McGrath, brought 23 years of secondary science experience to BPS six years ago. Her deep subject knowledge introduces accurate scientific enquiry, rich vocabulary, and high-level questioning from an early age, ensuring our pupils are consistently stretched and challenged beyond the standard curriculum.

The impact speaks for itself. Returning pupils regularly share how exceptionally well-prepared and confident they felt in science when transitioning to senior school.

That is the power of specialist science teaching in a prep setting.

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Open post by bowdonprepschool with ID 18151139749536188
Practical science is best, especially when led by specialist expertise! Our Year 3 pupils had a fantastic time bringing pollination to life, sculpting detailed flower models out of plasticine before dressing up as busy insects to "collect" pollen around the classroom. Acting out the role of pollinators gave the pupils a hands-on understanding of how insects transfer pollen between flowers so plants can produce seeds and reproduce. At Bowdon Prep, Science is taught as a specialist subject from Year 3. Our Head of Science, Mrs McGrath, brought 23 years of secondary science experience to BPS six years ago. Her deep subject knowledge introduces accurate scientific enquiry, rich vocabulary, and high-level questioning from an early age, ensuring our pupils are consistently stretched and challenged beyond the standard curriculum. The impact speaks for itself. Returning pupils regularly share how exceptionally well-prepared and confident they felt in science when transitioning to senior school. That is the power of specialist science teaching in a prep setting.

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

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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

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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

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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