Families in this affluent part of Cheshire intending to enrol their children into private schools will soon be looking to research the options open to them. We are fortunate that in Cheshire and south Manchester we have some of the top independent day schools in the country to choose from.
Personal circumstances and preferences or, indeed, the specific needs of our children, may lead some of us to conclude that a boarding school education will best match our needs.
As Cheshire and south Manchester are not home to any senior independent boarding schools, Cheshire families with teenage children have no alternative other than to look outside the county to find the right school for them.
Throughout the coming months our top independent day schools, along with top boarding schools from around the country, will be opening their doors and inviting prospective parents, and pupils, to find out all they will need to know before deciding which school can best match their individual needs. Here we have just a taste of what some of these top schools have to offer.
Withington Girls’ School
Withington Girls’ School is celebrating a set of outstanding A-level results across the board, reinforcing the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s judgment that the girls, achievements are ‘exceptional’.
All A-level examinations were passed, with an impressive 36% of all subjects achieving the top A* grade. Over half the year group (43 girls) passed all their examinations with all A* or A grades, and 14 students gained 3 or more A* grades, with 5 achieving 4 A* grades and one 5 A* grades.
Contrary to the national trend this year of a decline in top grades in STEM subjects, Withington students enjoyed outstanding success in the core STEM subjects (including mathematics, further mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics) which have been identified by the Government as vital to the country’s future economy.
These STEM subjects accounted for over a half of all A-levels entered this year at Withington and in these subjects, 45% of results were at A*, 82% at A* or A and 92% at A*, A or B.
Headmistress, Mrs Sue Marks, said of the A-Level results: “I am absolutely delighted for our girls and for their teachers and families. These outstanding results don’t just reflect how academically able our students are – they also point to how hard they work, and to how well they have been helped to reach their individual potential by excellent teaching and pastoral care throughout their time at Withington.
A key reason for our girls’ continuing success in winning places at the country’s most selective universities is that they achieve so highly in the traditional, rigorous, “facilitating” subjects such as mathematics, further mathematics, the sciences, English literature, classical and modern languages, geography and history.
‘Our girls are encouraged to make the most of every moment of their time at Withington and we are very pleased that these accomplished young women have been involved in so many worthwhile (and enjoyable!) extracurricular activities alongside their academic studies.”
Rossall results buck national trend for A-levels
Rossall, a co-educational day and boarding school for 2-18 year olds, is celebrating after its A-level students secured outstanding results – and beat the national average for the number of top grades achieved.
27% of pupils at the Lancashire school gained grades A* – A in their exams, up 4% on last year’s results, and a percentage point higher than the UK average.
Elaine Purves, head at Rossall said: “We are delighted Rossall’s students have gained such outstanding results. It’s a fantastic success for the school, especially following on from the strong performance of our pupils who studied for the International Baccalaureate and earned scores well above the world average.”
The results mean many Rossall students have secured their first choice university places, and will be taking up studies at institutions including Oxford, Bristol, York and Lancaster.
Ellie McFadden, who was awarded A*, A and B said: “The last two years have been a lot of hard work, but the support I’ve had from my teachers has been a massive help.” Ellie, will now take up a place at Loughborough University to study economics, and aims to pursue a career as a forensic economist.
Dylan Jordan plans to study at Lancaster University after gaining 3 As. Dylan said: “I’m very happy with my results. The help I’ve received from my teachers has been fantastic!” www.rossall.org.uk.
Best ever A level results in the history of Manchester High
Manchester High School for Girls’ 2015 A-level cohort has made history, achieving the most successful set of examination results in the School’s 141 year existence.
78% of grades at Manchester’s oldest girls’ school were sought-after A* or A; with 98% of all grades attained in the A* to B range.
This remarkable achievement comes just weeks after the school announced another superb set of International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma results. Students undertaking the IB qualification scored on average 38 points, putting them way ahead of the average global score of just 30 points.
Head mistress, Mrs Claire Hewitt, said: “Year on year Manchester High girls achieve some of the best examination results in the country and our alumnae include highly influential women who lead the way in their chosen fields. Be it business or politics, engineering or medicine, fashion or languages and really do go on to build amazing careers.
The fact that this year’s senior sixth have secured the best A-level results in our history leaves me in no doubt that these young women are the leaders of tomorrow. Not only have they applied themselves to their studies but they have embraced the many extra-curricular opportunities available, from sport and charity work to music and the arts.
These momentous results reflect not only the hard work and commitment of our students but the dedication of our expert teachers who really go the extra mile to inspire the girls to reach their full potential. I should like to congratulate them all and wish the Class of 2015 the very best for their studies and future careers.”
Abbotsholme – an education for life
An Abbotsholme education is an education for life. Every moment matters.
Abbotsholme is a day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2-18, providing a progressive education for today’s world. We develop enquiring minds and independent thinkers through respect, honesty, humility, integrity and courage.
We provide a stimulating and balanced learning environment through both classroom and non-classroom based learning in deliberately small classes, where individual academic excellence and achievement are in evidence every day.
With 170 acres of copses, fields, dingles and games pitches, and science, art and languages taught by specialist teachers from the senior school, our pre-prep school (for ages 2-4) and prep pupils enjoy unique access to all the facilities that the senior pupils use.
Our senior school develops pupils’ learning with a deliberately wide curriculum including all the usual academic subjects as well as life skills lessons and a variety of outdoor education activities.
Sixth form pupils have a dedicated sixth form centre to encourage independent learning in a wide range of subjects at A Level, as well as a log cabin boarding village for our boarders.
We have outstanding facilities including an indoor climbing centre; BHS approved equestrian centre, and working farm. There are opportunities for den building and kayaking for the prep school, and Duke of Edinburgh, overseas trips and electric car racing in the senior school.
If Abbotsholme is the school you have been looking for, contact Michele Archer in the admissions office for more information on 01889 594 265 or email Michele.archer@abbotsholme.co.uk or visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk
Malvern St James
At Malvern St James we say to our girls “Who do you want to be?” and help them craft their school experience appropriately.
Aspiration, achievement and rigour lie at the heart of the school, and girls are encouraged to explore and discover their academic and extra-curricular talents.
The MSJ Aspiration Programme focuses on preparation for the most competitive UK and international universities and career pathways.
MSJ is a leading boarding and day school for girls aged 4-18. Girls benefit from exceptional teaching and a culture which inspires a passion for learning; as well as cutting-edge facilities including an award-winning STEM Centre, dedicated music and drama centres and an outstanding sports centre.
With over 450 girls, the school is big enough to offer depth and breadth of opportunity, and small enough to care.
An outstanding array of enrichment opportunities is available.
Young enterprise, debating, national olympiads, performers’ platforms, Leiths cookery and professional sports coaching are just a taster of what’s on offer.
The school combines the best of tradition and history, along with a modern, forward-thinking outlook. As well as full or weekly boarding, girls can flexi-board one, two or three nights per week (from Year 3 upwards). www.malvernstjames.co.uk
Stockport Grammar School
Stockport Grammar School has a varied programme of academic, cultural, sporting and extracurricular activities open to every girl and boy aged 3-18.
The school is committed to making the process of learning stimulating and enjoyable, providing high quality teaching and pastoral care to support and foster individual needs, talents and aptitudes.
The school has been fully co-educational since 1980, providing the most natural preparation for happiness and success in adult life. Girls and boys work together well and gain much from sharing different approaches to learning and problem solving.
Founded in 1487, SGS has a long and distinguished history, but the school equally looks to the future and seeks to equip their students to face the changes and challenges ahead with drive, enthusiasm and consideration for others.
To find out more, visit www.stockportgrammar.co.uk or visit one of the open events in September or November.
