Bowdon Preparatory School
Bowdon Preparatory School is an independent school in Altrincham for pupils aged 3 to 11. It has 230 pupils on roll. The latest Ofsted rating for Bowdon Preparatory School is Good, from an inspection in April 2013.
Ofsted inspection: April 2013.
| Type | Independent School / Other independent school |
| Age Range | 3-11 |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Address | Ashley Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 2LT |
| Reference Number | 106377 |
General Makeup
| Number of pupils | 230 |
Year Groups
| Year | Boys | Girls | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 2 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 3 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 4 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 5 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 6 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
Ethnicities
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|
Bowdon Preparatory School for Girls is performing well overall, categorized as good in several key areas. The school's senior leadership has effectively managed a recent merger, ensuring that the quality of teaching remains high and that pupils generally achieve good results. Notable strengths include the outstanding behavior and personal development of students, who feel safe and supported in their learning environment. Furthermore, the curriculum is well-rounded and engaging, contributing to high levels of pupil enjoyment and achievement in a range of subjects, particularly reading and mathematics.
| Overall Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Last Report Date | 11 Mar 2013 |
| Date | Report |
|---|---|
| 11 Mar 2013 | Standard inspection: |
Strengths
- Senior staff have effectively managed the merger with Culcheth Hall.
- Pupils make good progress from their starting points.
- Outstanding pupils’ behavior and personal development.
- Good curriculum provides a well-rounded education.
- Strong support for pupils requiring extra help in reading.
Areas for Improvement
- Teaching does not consistently challenge all pupils, especially the most able.
- Marking does not always provide clear guidance for improvement.
- Variability in the quality of teaching not formally monitored.
- Provision for the youngest children does not fully meet their needs.
In 2025–26, 8.3% of pupils at Bowdon Preparatory School were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 0.4% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 7.9%).
Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded independent school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.
| Name | Distance |
|
Altrincham Preparatory School
Marlborough Road, Altrincham, WA14 2RR |
0.39 miles |
|
Hale Preparatory School
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0.47 miles |
|
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0.56 miles |
|
Altrincham CofE (Aided) Primary School
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0.61 miles |
|
Bowdon CofE Primary School
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0.62 miles |
|
St Vincent's Catholic Primary School
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0.75 miles |
|
Bollin Primary School
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0.78 miles |
|
Navigation Primary School
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1.05 miles |
|
Oldfield Brow Primary School
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1.21 miles |
|
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1.31 miles |
|
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1.4 miles |
|
Cloverlea Primary School
Green Lane North, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 7NQ |
1.53 miles |
|
Well Green Primary School
Briony Avenue, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 8QA |
1.56 miles |
|
Pictor Academy
Grove Lane, Timperley, Cheshire, WA15 6PH |
1.59 miles |
|
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1.62 miles |
|
St Hugh's Catholic Primary School
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1.63 miles |
|
St Ambrose Prep School
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1.71 miles |
|
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1.8 miles |
|
Broomwood Primary School
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1.96 miles |
|
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2.02 miles |
| Name | Distance |
|
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Cavendish Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2NL |
0.29 miles |
|
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2RS |
0.35 miles |
|
North Cestrian School
Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4AJ |
0.48 miles |
|
Loreto Grammar School
Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4AH |
0.5 miles |
|
Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College
Urban Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 8HT |
0.66 miles |
|
Wellington School
Wellington Road, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 7RH |
1.16 miles |
|
Altrincham College
Green Lane, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 8QW |
1.22 miles |
|
Saint Ambrose College
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1.58 miles |
|
The Trafford and Stockport College Group
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1.67 miles |
|
Brentwood School
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2.22 miles |
|
Bowersgate School
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2.5 miles |
|
Dixons Newall Green Academy
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2.66 miles |
|
Ashton-on-Mersey School
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2.69 miles |
|
Dixons Brooklands Academy
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2.76 miles |
|
Sale Grammar School
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2.99 miles |
|
Manor Academy Sale
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3 miles |
|
Sale High School
Norris Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 3JR |
3.03 miles |
|
Piper Hill High School
Firbank Road, Newall Green, Manchester, M23 2YS |
3.08 miles |
|
Saint Paul's Catholic High School
Firbank Road, Newall Green, MANCHESTER, M23 2YS |
3.09 miles |
|
Changing Lives
Isherwood Rd, Nursery farm, Carrington, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M31 4BH |
3.12 miles |
All schools in Altrincham · Trafford local authority: places and applications
What is Bowdon Preparatory School's Ofsted rating?
The latest Ofsted rating for Bowdon Preparatory School is Good, from an inspection in April 2013.
When was Bowdon Preparatory School last inspected by Ofsted?
Bowdon Preparatory School was last inspected in April 2013.
How many pupils does Bowdon Preparatory School have?
Bowdon Preparatory School has 230 pupils on roll.
What age range does Bowdon Preparatory School cover?
Bowdon Preparatory School for pupils aged 3 to 11.
Where is Bowdon Preparatory School?
Bowdon Preparatory School is at Ashley Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2LT.