Bowdon Preparatory School headteacher Sara Makepeace-Taylor says the school's decision to welcome boys has been met with an "overwhelmingly positive" response – with boys already making up more than a third of next year's Reception enrolment.
The independent school on Ashley Road, Bowdon, which teaches children aged three to 11, began admitting boys this September after many years as a girls' school.
Boys are joining from Kindergarten to Year 3 as part of a phased move, and the school is due to be fully co-educational by 2029.
The change coincided with Bowdon Prep becoming part of the Repton Family of Schools, the group led by Repton School in Derbyshire.
"This is an exciting new chapter in Bowdon Prep's long history," said Mrs Makepeace-Taylor.
"Having worked in both co-educational and single-sex schools throughout my career, welcoming both girls and boys felt like a natural and exciting next step in the school's journey."
She said the timing was "particularly significant" because of the Repton partnership.
"Repton's values align closely with our own ethos and vision, with both schools sharing a belief that education is about much more than academic achievement," she said. "It is about nurturing character, resilience and curiosity - a truly holistic education."
'A wonderful endorsement'
Mrs Makepeace-Taylor said the switch "has felt like a very natural progression", adding: "We continue to offer the nurturing atmosphere our families know and value."
"Our Reception intake for September 2027 is already nearing capacity, with boys making up more than a third of the year group's enrolment," she said.
"This is a wonderful endorsement and reflects the strong relationships we have built with local nurseries and families, as well as the shared values that guide our approach to education."
Looking ahead
The school's most recent ISI inspection identified the development of pupils' self-esteem, self-knowledge and self-confidence as a Significant Strength - which Mrs Makepeace-Taylor described as "an accolade awarded to only a small number of schools".
She said the school was also responding to the recent changes to the 11+ examination, with specialist Curriculum and Transition Leads helping to make sure pupils are "well prepared for success in both grammar school and independent school entrance assessments".
The school is also developing a new Early Years playground and its main playground.
Beyond the classroom, clubs range from fencing, lacrosse, football and judo to chamber choir, orchestra, samba band and LAMDA. The school's netball teams have won ISA national titles, while its facilities include science labs, an art studio, performing arts spaces and two all-weather sports pitches.
"Our vision is simple: to create a school where every member of our community feels that they truly belong," said Mrs Makepeace-Taylor.
Open Morning
Bowdon Prep's next Open Morning takes place on Tuesday 17 November, from 9.30am to 11.30am. Families who can't make the date can book a personal tour. To find out more, visit bowdonprep.org.uk, call 0161 928 0678 or email admissions@bowdonprep.org.uk.
