Founded as a co-educational school in 1855 and originally known as the Manchester Warehousemen and Clerks' Orphan Schools; it remains faithful to its charitable origins. It was one of the first co-educational schools to join HMC and became independent in 1976 when the Direct Grant Scheme ended. Set in 83 acres of Cheshire countryside near Manchester, there have been extensive additions to the original Victorian buildings, including a computer-aided language learning and ICT centre, state-of-the-art labs and fine art studio, all-weather floodlit sports pitch and a swimming pool. The junior school is on the same site so both are surrounded by the extensive playing fields. The school is non-denominational and prides itself on high levels of pastoral care. A sound academic education is given and examination results are very good. Music, art and drama are strong. There are regular county players in various sports, as well as some national representatives.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 1383 day pupils (745 boys, 638 girls). Junior department 4-11, 296 pupils (172 boys, 124 girls). Senior department 11-18, 1087 pupils (573 boys, 514 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4-9, 11, 13, 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements.
Some music scholarships (which can be supplemented by a bursary if necessary). Bursaries available in the senior school, value up to 100% of fees (currently 10% of pupils receive financial assistance). Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Head: Lucy Pearson, in post from 2010. Educated at Oakham School and Oxford University (English). Previously Deputy Head at Wellington (Berkshire), Vice Principal of Wellington Academy, Head of Sixth Form at Solihull and Deputy Head of Sixth Form at Wolverhampton Grammar. Successful international cricketer (in England women’s team, 1996–2005). Teaching staff: 115 full time, 23 part time. Annual turnover 5%.
GCSE: 156 pupils in Year 11: 97% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 133 in upper sixth; all passed in 3+ subjects, with an average final point score of 374 (excluding general studies).
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (8% after a gap year); 6% to Oxbridge. 11% took courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, 29% in science, maths and engineering, 53% in humanities and social sciences, 2% in education, 5% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels and Cambridge Pre-U. 24 subjects at AS/A-level/Pre-U. Sixth form: All sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; general studies an additional option at AS/A-level; extension classes offered in all subjects. Key skills integrated into sixth form courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Learning support co-ordinator supports children with specific mild learning difficulties. Languages: French, German, Spanish, Latin and Greek offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught as a discrete subject in Years 7 and 8, across the curriculum in all year groups (eg in geography to access current data on the internet). 275 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access, plus some laptops for class use.
Music: A large proportion of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken and many achieve a high level. Musical groups include orchestras, choirs, jazz and wind bands, various string groups. Frequent performance opportunities. Pupils regularly accepted by music colleges or to read music at university. Drama: Drama offered and GCSE, AS and A-level may be taken. Many pupils involved in regular school productions. Art and design: On average, 50 take GCSE, 13 AS-level, 10 A-level. Design, ceramics, textiles, photography also offered.
Sport: All pupils encouraged to take part in wide range of games programme including rugby, hockey, soccer, cross-country, netball, swimming, tennis, cricket, athletics, badminton. Occasional representatives in national teams, regularly at county level in a number of sports. Activities: Large numbers take Cheadle Hulme Challenge (expeditions designed to develop organisational and leadership abilities); community service. Clubs include IT multi-media, chess, history, politics.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, appointed by the Head on advice. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational school. No compulsory religious worship. Social: Many organised trips to France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Greece; regular sports tours and World Challenge; others linked to subjects to eg Russia, USA, the Gambia; annual skiing trip; exchange programme with school in USA. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bicycle or motorbike to school. Meals self-service.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a verbal reprimand, detention and to do the homework. School has a thorough rewards and sanctions policy which covers all aspects of school discipline.
is run by the Development Office, tel 0161 488 3341
Lord (Alf) Dubs (Labour politician), Nick Robinson (BBC political editor), Susan Bullock (soprano).
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