Mr and Mrs C

Moving on to Senior School

We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to each and every one of the staff at Wilmslow prep. Our son has had such an amazing time. We would definitely recommend this school.

The opportunities have been outstanding, he has enjoyed orchestra, playing an instrument that he’s got to Grad 4 and Chamber Choir. The clubs before school were fantastic too – fencing, judo, and even archery. After school clubs were wonderful too.

With all of your attention, care and nurturing, our son has gained confidence, and life skills to move on to Senior School.

Also, a big thank you to you all for how you adapted to move forward during this pandemic.

Our son and us as a family didn’t feel like he missed out on any lessons. You quickly adapted to ‘Zooming’ and it was a full-on timetable, which was simply fantastic.

He even carried on with music lessons via Zoom, PE lessons, VE Day celebrations – the list is endless.

We are truly grateful to you all for all your hard work and for making School an extremely wonderful experience.

Ms N

I wish that we had moved our 9-year-old son sooner than we did. He only started in Prep 4 in June 2021, at the beginning of the last half term of the year. From his first taster day, he was calling Wilmslow Prep, “my school”. He immediately knew that he would thrive there and he has. He now enjoys going to school and is eager to tell me about his school day.

I was told that the School prides itself on giving each child individual attention. I have to admit I was sceptical. However, this is absolutely the case with an individual plan in place before my son started school. We couldn’t be more pleased.

Mr and Mrs C

We have been a part of the WPS family for over seven years and both our children have loved their time here. As you enter Wilmslow Prep, you are immediately enveloped with a warm feeling and you quickly realise what it is that’s special about this school: its staff and pupils.

Teachers are friendly and approachable and due to small class sizes, they really get to know and care about your child. Even though WPS is a small school, facilities are excellent with specialised rooms for Art, Science, Music and Computing as well as a huge sports hall with adjoining astroturf.

The provision of online learning throughout this past year by Wilmslow Prep has been outstanding. It showcased that our children were fortunate to be taught by extremely dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who kept them engaged and challenged academically, throughout the many months at home. Once back at School the children transitioned happily back into their classes, warmly welcomed back by the Headmaster, who has brought a new vibrancy to the School.

Darren

Parent Darren comments on his children’s experience of online learning with WPS…

Becky

Online learning

I’m sure that I wasn’t alone when my heart sunk during Boris Johnson’s announcement, on the 4 January 2021, that schools would close until late February. However, I was in the fortunate position that this reaction arose based solely on my child’s pure love of WPS (a child who stated that “Christmas Day was the best day ever.. but it would have been so much better if I could have gone to school!”) and was not based on any fear that my child would cease to receive an outstanding education. WPS’s exceptional remote learning provision truly is ‘school at home’ allowing for the same joyful community spirit, that is at the heart of WPS, along with a replica of the differentiated, engaging and interactive teaching that is received in the classroom.

The tireless dedication of the WPS team has enabled my child to continue to flourish.

Across the board from the Head Teacher, Senior Management Team, form teacher and individual subject teachers – your child is sincerely known as an individual and provision, support and care are provided on a personal level to not only the pupil but also to their parents/carers.

Communication with my child’s form teacher, and the whole team at WPS, has been exceptional. I have received prompt responses to email queries, no matter the hour, and tailored educational provision provided on a daily basis to run alongside the outstanding live Zoom lessons.

My child has received not only a full and enriching curriculum remotely but has been challenged, motivated, encouraged and is continuing to be excited to learn and progress.

The importance that WPS place on your child’s overall well-being, in addition to their robust education, is something that should be revered. My child has participated remotely in numerous whole school activities/challenges that lie outside of the National Curriculum yet unquestionably enhance it. During the Big Garden Birdwatch my child had the excitement of seeing her form teacher show a real birds nest via Zoom, she enjoyed a whole afternoon outdoors participating in the 100 Challenge in the memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore (where each child was encouraged to use their imagination to create their own challenge – this was not only a lot of fun but also a fantastic way to enhance and develop a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mental Health Week) along with engaging in the WPS Reading Challenge which has served to ignite an expansive passion for books/reading. The Head Teacher dressing up as a dragon for the school assembly whilst showing his eyeball via Zoom, to embed an understanding of what being individual means, is something that will not be forgotten – what a fabulous way to engage young children remotely.

The remote learning provision provided by WPS has been nothing short of remarkable. The whole ethos of the school seamlessly transitioned over into the homes of all the pupils providing not only an outstanding education but also maintaining the team spirit and motivation that the children are accustomed to experiencing within the school.

During times as difficult as these it has been such a relief to know that, without question, my child has not only progressed at the same rate academically but has also maintained the same enthusiasm, love of learning and community feel with equivalence as though physically in school.

I have always said that the greatest gift I will ever give to my child is her being part of the WPS family. This statement stands true whether WPS is operating remotely or traditionally.

I am, of course, looking forward to seeing my child run into school again with a face filled with joy – from my child’s perspective every day at WPS is superior to a day at Disney Land! To educate a child to such high standards whilst maintaining their love of school and learning is such an phenomenal achievement but to continue to achieve this remotely is truly astonishing.

Kay

Not being from the area we set out to view all the local schools for our eldest daughter. We attended an open day at WPS and the search stopped there! The family friendly approach, warmth and community feel to the school was tangible for us on that first visit. We fell in love and have never looked back. That was 7 years ago and our eldest daughter is now in Year 5 with our youngest daughter enjoying Reception year after a fantastic start in Kindergarten.  WPS is a nurturing environment where the staff are passionate and the children thrive as a result. We cannot fault the support we as parents have received from all the staff at the school throughout the years. This has meant a great deal to us.  The curriculum is varied but focused and the children have so many opportunities to experience an amazing range of activities, subjects and topics. Whilst the children are supported individually in their academic studies they are also nurtured throughout their school life to become inspired, excellent mannered, kind well rounded individuals and this is important to us as a family. Both our girls are very happy at WPS and skip in to school every day – we couldn’t ask for more than that.

Mr Reynolds

We currently have three children attending WPS. We have always found the school warm and welcoming, a place where children truly come first. Our eldest child’s journey from Year 2 to Year 5 in our view has been exceptional. Joining her peers late, we feared she may lag behind, the supporting and nourishing academic environment presented by the staff at WPS has led to a remarkable turnaround in our child’s academic performance. She now excels in many aspects of English, and her Mathematics results have been recently assessed to be above average. In short we couldn’t recommended the school more highly. It is a school of excellence, filled with exceptional talent, a balanced curriculum, and a warm welcoming family environment, which we have found second to none.

Chris Clarke

After viewing a few schools in Wilmslow, as a whole family we felt that Wilmslow Preparatory School was the perfect choice for our oldest son Joshua to attend. From the first visit viewing of the school, all the way through to his taster days and his first day at Kindergarten the warmth and nurturing “family” environment of all of the school staff shone through and confirmed our decision. Joshua is now entering Form 2 and we are so pleased to see how he has grown into a confident, happy, young boy who loves every day at Wilmslow Prep. Everyone has helped Joshua grow, from Mr Hopley the caretaker to Mrs Ribgy the Headteacher and everyone in between, we would certainly recommend Wilmslow Prep to anyone who is looking for a school for their children. We can’t wait to see what is in store as our youngest son also starts Kindergarten this year

Mr & Mrs Brassington

WPS is a school where children really matter; it is a school with small class sizes where each individual student is given the opportunity to achieve his or her greatest potential. It is a place where a fully rounded education is central to the schools values and the senior management team is continually seeking to implement improvements in order to ensure that the children receive only the best education possible at all times. For us the most important thing is that our children have been very happy with their journey at The Prep.

Rachel McKeand

When our son started in the Reception class, his speech and communication skills had been slow to mature, and as a result, he could be anxious and shy. Fast forward three years, and he has flourished both academically and socially. He now joyfully participates in all the school activities, and has even achieved a Distinction in his English Speaking Board assessments! We have been extremely touched by the dedication of all his teachers. They have not only encouraged a love of learning, but have shown him how, sometimes, courage and tenacity can help you overcome the most overwhelming of challenges. We can’t imagine a better preparation for senior school and adult life.

Suki Birchenough

WPS has provided a wonderful experience for my daughter who started in kindergarten. With a great set of teaching staff and pastoral care offered, it has given her the ability to achieve her potential in all music, sports and of course academically. This has led to her being able pass all exams and choose her preferred senior school. I wish WPS continued success and recommend that if you are considering an independent prep school for your child please arrange a show round

Hannah Young

My primary school foundations at WPS were the best I could have wished. With great staff, all children will excel! Thanks to WPS I have made great friends for life and had great opportunities

Louise Broome

With the right foundations put in place by the caring and nurturing staff at the Prep my daughter has realised her childhood dream of becoming a midwife. Thank you for helping her to believe she could shoot for the stars and reach the moon and beyond.

Andrew & Joanne Culley

Lydia’s time at WPS has been exceptional and the support you and all the teachers have given to her has been wonderful. We will have no hesitation in recommending the school to any other prospective parents.

We would like to take the opportunity to wish you and everyone at the school all the very best for the future.

Nicole Sawer

Just a quick mail to say how much I enjoyed the fantastic event that WPS organised on Tuesday. I know that often us parents are quick to point out failings and I wanted you to know that I and many others thought it was a wonderful afternoon which was really well thought out and executed. The girls loved it too and it definitely represents why we all love WPS.

Linda and Grant Hendry

Georgina has had a fantastic week enjoying all of the Jubilee Celebrations WPS organised and it has been a wonderful way to learn more about the culture and history of our country.

All of the activities were interesting and exciting. It was a pleasure to be able to come the Jubilee tea party on Tuesday afternoon. The playground was beautifully decorated and it was lovely to see everyone having so much fun, especially the girls!

Georgina wanted to send this message too – ‘I really enjoyed this week. I never thought I would see the Olympic torch! I loved Wibbly Wobbly Jelly Belly Flop by Steve Hartley and I loved Sue coming in and talking about the Queen. I thought it was really cool when we dressed up for the photo booth at the Jubilee Party and the playground looked AM-A-ZING!!! Thank you sooooo much!’ Georgina

Tony & Jackie King

Miranda’s exam and scholarship results

As you may already be aware, Miranda has been offered places at all the senior schools that she sat exams for: Withington, Manchester High School for Girls, Stockport Grammar and King’s Macclesfield. She has also been offered music scholarships at Manchester High School for Girls and King’s Macclesfield.

We are delighted with these results and would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to yourself and all your staff for the hard work and support provided to Miranda.

Ever since Miranda started at Wilmslow Prep, we have always been impressed with the school’s approach to her education and these results provide confirmation of that.

Linda & Grant Hendry

We chose Wilmslow Prep to provide our daughter’s education because of the warm, nurturing and caring environment evident when we first visited the school. The emphasis was on each pupil attaining her best with a clear recognition that the girls are all individuals.

Our daughter joined in Reception and the benefits we believed she would enjoy at WPS have been surpassed. She has excellent relationships with all of her form and subject teachers and her education has been delivered in an engaging and enthusiastic manner.

Work is of a high standard, the walls around the school display beautiful artwork and music is a key part of life in the school.

Wilmslow Prep is a special, happy and lively school which we believe is providing an excellent foundation for our daughter’s future education after Year 6.

Andrew & Claire Gosnay

We would like to thank you for the wonderful support given by WPS to Emma and ourselves when considering secondary school options and in preparing for the entrance exam process.  The choice of secondary schools is fantastic but rather overwhelming!   We really appreciated the unbiased and honest opinions of yourself and Emma’s teachers.  We have always felt that you have a fantastic understanding of both our daughters, and this proved to be invaluable in Year 6.

When we relocated four years ago, Emma and Lucy were very sad to be leaving their old school.  We chose WPS on the basis of the lovely warm, nurturing environment to ease the transition!  Little did we know that this small girls’ school could provide a platform for such diverse activities.

As you know, Emma has achieved academically, having a full choice of secondary schools with several scholarships.  She has represented the North of England in National Cross Country and qualified for National Athletics.  She has had the benefit of an amazing Music Department with outstanding peripatetic music teachers, enabling her success at the Alderley Edge Festival and selection for a Masterclass with the Halle Orchestra.

Within a few weeks of joining WPS, Emma announced “I love my new school.  I feel that I can be myself.”  We are delighted at the way in which Emma has developed into such a confident but understated individual, with an amazing “can do” attitude.  She has settled quickly and happily into her secondary school, and has already played solo in assembly, without any apprehension.  I am convinced that this is the result of being able to perform confidently in all areas of the curriculum at WPS, on a much smaller stage in a safe, caring environment.

Peter Stephenson

Meredith has recently completed her time in Form 5 (having been at the WPS since Lower Kindergarten). Her progress this year has been impressive and she is now stronger in all areas of the curriculum – our thanks must go to her subject teachers. Her participation in an ever-growing list of sports and extra-curricular activities is also having a positive effect on her confidence!

Pamela Catterson

WPS is a fantastic school which has exceeded our expectations and we, as parents, will miss the warm community of parents and teachers. We could not have asked for more from Eleanor’s important early years at school and we thank you sincerely for ensuring that our daughter moves forward with a solid and positive educational experience to build on.

Cerys Owen

I was Head Girl at Wilmslow Prep in the year of 2004 and left at the end of Year 6 to attend Alderley Edge School for Girls. I thought you would be interested to know that on Friday I was appointed Head Girl at Alderley Edge. Without Wilmslow Prep I would not be where I am today. I have some wonderful memories from Wilmslow Prep, for example the school play in Year 6 where the whole of the Junior School put on the production of Oliver! The visit to York to study the Vikings in Year 4 was our first ever trip away from our parents and I think was our most exciting trip yet.

Debbie

I was so impressed by the enthusiasm shown the staff on a tour of the school, that I did not hesitate in enrolling Hannah that afternoon for her to start the following day. She is only 3 and has settled in remarkably well.

I must say a big ’thank you’ to all the kitchen staff, Hannah has special dietary needs and cannot wait to tell me what pudding she has had at lunch time!

Here’s to many happy years at Wilmslow Prep.

Jacqui Connolly

Having spent a wonderful day at the Centenary Celebration Family Fun Day it made Paul and I reflect on the development we have seen in Lydia over the last few years. She joined WPS a shy, quiet little girl who didn’t want to start school. With the care and encouragement from the dedicated staff she soon became eager to go each day to meet her lovely friends and join in the days activities for learning. Lydia is now confident and opinionated, not always a good thing when we have to negotiate chocolate eating requirements, but she does surprise us with her knowledge and understanding of the many varied topics covered.

M. Withers

My youngest daughter has just left Form 6 to go on to Manchester High School for Girls. Her older sister joined Form 3 when we moved into the area and has now just graduated from Bristol University with an excellent degree. Both girls were extremely happy at the school which enabled them to mature at their own pace. Rhian, the older girl, has a very late August birthday. I loved the fact that by being part of a ‘Prep’ school, and not in a junior department of a big senior school, they could be in the playground playing at age 10 and not necessarily rushing to an organized activity . They also had the opportunity to enjoy that halcyon period after the entrance exams when they were top of the school and all kinds of opportunities were on offer. The trip to France is an obvious example.

In my opinion, the school offers a package which will give a good education, a happy and secure environment for learning and an introduction to a wide range of activities and disciplines which she may choose to develop in her senior school. My daughter and many of her classmates have been selected to play for their senior school hockey or netball teams within the first term of their arrival at the secondary school. Certainly, the French that they learnt at WPS gave them a head start over their peers. The WPS orchestra and choir has given Bethan a love of music that I am determined to foster. In fact she sang in the Manchester High School Choir at the Bridgewater Hall only a few weeks after joining the school.

Some of my closest friends are the parents of Rhian’s classmates at Wilmslow Preparatory School. In fact, just before she went off to university, I used her Leavers Book to contact all the girls and 17 /20 girls enjoyed a meal at a local pizzeria. They were just about to head off to some of the top universities in the country. I am in no doubt that the foundations laid in their preparatory school were a major contribution to their success.

I am sure that during a child’s passage through a school there will be some teachers who are inspiring for them and other who are not quite so impressive but it is the package that is ‘Wilmslow Preparatory School’ that delivers. For those parents that have faith in the system their daughters will be, like mine, richly rewarded.

John

I am writing to show my appreciation for the work your staff and yourself have done with my daughter Francesca.

Seeing her perform at the recent concert and The Alderley Edge festival filled me with great pride as to how well she is doing at school and how confident she is becoming. This is a far cry from the quiet and shy girl we dropped off nearly 6 yrs ago!!
The way she has developed is a credit to you all at WPS and many thanks.