School Watch

Choosing a School for your child?

Smaller class sizes, a curriculum that goes beyond the National Curriculum and a rich and varied co-curricular programme are just some of the reasons why parents choose Birkenhead School, one of the country’s leading independent schools, located in Oxton, Wirral. Find out what more an independent education can offer by visiting the Seniors Open Day on Saturday 23rd September. In the past year pupils have had the opportunity to present their work to Astronaut Tim Peake, hear from speakers such as Sir Tony Robinson and take part in trips to destinations such as NASA, Barbados and New York. Visits are welcome for all areas of the School throughout the year and places are available from Nursery (3 months) to Sixth Form. W: www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

All Hallows students visit Liverpool Hope University

All Hallows Catholic College took over one hundred and forty students to Liverpool Hope University for a three day transition event. All Hallows wanted to give the new intake of students a chance to build strong foundations and relationships with their new peers and teachers before starting their academic journey at the College and the Liverpool Hope experience gave them this opportunity. The students participated in many sports and team building activities, attended a lecture, a graduation wearing a cap and gown and attended morning and evening prayers to learn about the holistic approach to their learning that they will gain while studying at All Hallows. T: 01625 426138 W: www.allhallows.org.uk

Abbey Gate College Celebrates 40 Years with Special Gala Concert

On Tuesday 4th July, Chester based independent school Abbey Gate College hosted a special Gala Concert to mark its 40 years anniversary and 75 past choir members joined the current choir producing a spectacular sound of 140 voices. The concert was directed by Mr Stewart Smith, who is retiring after 39 and a half years as Director of Music, having led a thriving music department with many former pupils progressing to careers in opera, music production and cathedral music. The concert welcomed the new Head of Music, James Andrews who, as well as being a former pupil of the College, is an ex-Head Chorister of Chester Cathedral and a graduate of the Birmingham Conservatoire. T: 01244 332077 W: www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Bebington High is at the heart of educational innovation

At Bebington High they pride themselves on delivering a range of curriculum opportunities both inside and beyond the classroom. They offer traditional and non-traditional courses augmented by their farm and construction facilities, which will enable all students to achieve in line with their interests and abilities. The school is a regional lead for leadership, coaching and volunteering and in the vital area of health and wellbeing they are not only the lead school for the region but the hub of an innovative secondary school network: ‘Healthy Futures,’ working in partnership with the University of Chester, Health Education England (NHS) and eight founder secondary schools across the North West of England. W: www.bebingtonhigh.com

The Grange brings out the very best in their pupils

At The Grange they are not your typical independent school: they are vibrant and ambitious, and they understand that education comes in many different forms. They pride themselves not only on their excellent academic results - placing them as the top ranked co-educational independent school in the North West - but on the value added to each pupil as an indication of the quality of a Grange education. At The Grange they believe undoubtedly that wellbeing and academic success go hand in hand, and they maximise the potential in every child so that they may become the best that they can be. T: 01606 539039 W: www.grange.org.uk

Cransley School helps nurture confident, versatile individuals

Cransley School is a place ‘where individuals matter’; each and every pupil, every parent and every member of the school community. Pupils are known and nurtured, make beautiful things, say wonderful words, develop amazing ideas and seek fantastic adventures. They can do this with small class sizes, a wonderful outdoor environment, excellent relationships, cutting-edge educational technology and exceptionally experienced practitioners with a passion for their subject and the wellbeing of pupils. Not only are their GCSE results and KS2 results amongst the very best of maintained and independent settings, but the value-added score is one of the superior in the country. T: 01606 891747 W: www.cransleyschool.org

An education at The Firs School is just the start

The Year 6 Firs School pupils are celebrating heading off to their first choice Secondary School this September. The Firs School Chester is once again celebrating the fact that all their Year 6 pupils have received and accepted their first choice of Secondary Schools. Many pupils have found themselves with a dilemma of being offered several places. Four pupils have also been offered academic scholarships. Pupils will be heading to Caldy Grammar School, West Kirby Grammar School, Abbey Gate College, King’s School, Ruthin School, Upton School, Christleton High School and Ellesmere College. T: 01244 322443 W: www.firsschool.net

Sporting heroes enjoy success at King’s School

King's Junior Athletes have excelled this year, not just in their academic endeavours but also in their sporting achievements. Six pupils returned from the Association of Junior Independent Schools' Athletics Championships with a clutch of medals as they proved King’s is one of the top sporting schools in the North. A sensational six podium finishes went to: (from left) Edward Roden, who came third in the 600 metres; Isaac Hughes who won the 150 metres; Oliver Davies who won the long jump and came second in the 150m; Billy Birkett who won the 80 metres; Morgan Davies who won bronze in the sprint relay with his mates Edward, Oliver and Billy; and Sophie Fletcher who won silver in the high jump. T: 01625 260000 W: www.kingsmac.co.uk

Wirral Grammar School for Girls - inspiring and educating since 1931

Wirral Grammar School for Girls places the focus very much on the individual, enabling every girl to fulfil her potential, both educationally and socially and Ofsted grade them as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. The Daily Telegraph ranks them as the 38th best school in the country and the Liverpool Echo as the top school in Merseyside and Halton. Pupils enjoy learning and are self-motivated, working independently to achieve their own personal targets. Almost all the girls go on to higher education and rightly aspire to fulfilling future careers. Enrichment opportunities are outstanding and the school excels in a wide variety of sport and musical activities. T: 0151 644 8282 W: www.wirralgirls.co.uk

Exceptional education is now easier to reach

The Queen’s School in Chester is introducing new bus routes for families living around Warrington and West Kirby. From September three minibuses will pick-up and drop off at West Kirby, Thurstaston, Heswall, Willaston, Puddington, Ledsham and Great Sutton. The Warrington route will start at Appleton and service Frodsham and Helsby.

The Queen’s School caters for girls aged 4-18, boasting excellent academic results and a nurturing yet challenging environment. Contact the school or go along to an open day to find out more: Senior School Open Morning Saturday 14th October, Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 19th October and Lower School Open Morning Saturday 4th November. T: 01244 312078 E: admissions@thequeensschool.co.uk