Hale Preparatory School

Since 2023 Ruth Vayro BEd (Manchester Met) MA (school leadership, St Mary’s Twickenham). Began career in maintained sector in 1993; deputy head at King’s Road Primary School, Trafford within four years. Career break for children, then 14 years as head in some of the most challenging catchments in the Northwest, including almost 10 years as head at St Ambrose Primary School, Chorlton and two years as executive head at St Joseph’s Primary School, Reddish, alongside working as an inspector and educational consultant.

As a parent of independently educated children, was always interested in working in the sector and when Hale prep’s previous head and founder, John Connor, offered her this position, she was delighted to accept. The two had got to know each other over the previous decade; he was chair of governors at St Ambrose when she was head – ‘perhaps the longest unofficial job interview in history,’ she jokes.

She had big shoes to fill - Mr Connor still visits regularly, the school is owned by his four children and two teach there. The school is his life’s work and vision and when he was looking outside the family for someone to fill the head’s role, he only had one candidate in mind: ‘I knew she shared the same values and passion but would bring fresh imagination and a wider perspective,’ he says.

Parents describe the transition as ‘seamless’. ‘She hasn’t changed things as such, but she’s built on what was here already,’ one said. She quickly built up an easy and affectionate relationship with pupils and makes a point of talking to parents in the playground each day (and it’s not just idle chat – she told us she returns ‘with coat-pockets bursting with post-it notes’).

She’s brought her own energetic, vibrant personality to the school, along with a certain flair (her BEd majored in fine art and she teaches year 6 art). The school gleams with freshly painted white walls and smart navy-blue woodwork, and her office is more like a cosy drawing room with throws on the sofa, fresh flowers and a basket under her desk for her dachshund, Miss Beryl, a fully-accredited therapy dog - a huge hit with pupils. Miss Beryl hears pupils read, helps coax shy new starters into school and is a generally joyful presence about the place.

With two teenage sons about to head off to university, she hopes to find time to complete her PhD in children’s learning which has been on pause for a few years. In any remaining spare time, she likes to paint, run and spend time by the sea in Abersoch.

Parents really do put names down early here - from babyhood on - for a nominal registration fee. Firm offers given out (and deposit taken) two years before entry on a first come, first served basis. Most join at reception (two forms of 16). A few extra places from year 3, when max class size increases to 18. School currently full with some waiting lists - but places do crop up from time to time. Non-selective, no assessments or formal open days - parents encouraged to come and see school in action.

Head discusses suitable senior schools with parents at start of year 5. ‘Hugely supportive, and focussed on what’s best for my child,’ said one parent. About a third of pupils take up places at the Trafford state grammars, most of the others to independent day schools (Cheadle Hume, Manchester Grammar School, King’s Macclesfield and Withington Girls’ School all popular), with a couple to other state schools or boarding.

Founded in 1980 in a residential part of leafy Hale, there’s a calm, homely feel to the school. Orderly classrooms, with displays pinned neatly on boards, means working spaces are cheerful without being distracting. Most of the junior classrooms are in the main building; the infants block is outside with its own playground and a pint-sized garden for reception complete with outdoor kitchen, water play etc. Space constraints mean there’s no room for mud-larking (and much of the grass is artificial), but parents we spoke to were adamant that the ‘family feel’ of this ‘very special place’ more than compensated. Pupils agreed - they wouldn’t hear a word said against the playground, praising the new play equipment and benches for chatting under trees. From year 3, pupils use pitches at a nearby sports club and school points out this gives them access to ‘superb facilities, arguably better than most schools can offer’.

Traditional curriculum, half of which is devoted to maths, English and science, the rest a rich mix of subjects taught imaginatively. We saw a music class revelling in a rhythm game and a drama class creating a mime for a scene from Beowulf, trying out roles from Grendel’s mother to ripples on a lake. At the heart of the school is the beautiful ‘enchanted forest’ library. With a ceiling covered in greenery and hanging lanterns, velvet cushions and ‘secret’ book nooks, it’s a favourite spot for many of the pupils we spoke to. All pupils are heard reading daily on a one-to-one basis until year 2, four times a week in year 3 and then depending on fluency (but always at least once a week).

Specialist teaching from reception for science, ICT, drama, music, art and games. In year 2 pupils begin learning languages (French for the first two years, Italian in year 4, Spanish in years 5 and 6 and Latin in year 6). From year 3, every subject is taught by specialist teachers. Homework steadily increases from 15 minutes a day in reception up to 50 minutes in year 6.

‘Teachers are always kind and there when you need them,’ said one young pupil, with an older one adding, ‘When they ask you a question, they listen to what you say and comment on it - it helps you understand even more.’ We were impressed in a maths lesson when children were asked how they arrived at their answers; ‘I drew the number line and then I counted on….’ The school is big on consolidating learning and recaps in child-speak – a boon for anyone finding things tricky.

Competition for places at the Trafford grammars means year 5 can be ‘intense’, say parents – and ‘there’s no golden ticket’ to these highly sought after selective schools, but all agree the preparation is ‘second to none - they minimise stress but prepare them really well’. One lesson a day set aside for VR/NVR practice throughout year 5, with plenty of extra support on offer (eg early morning sessions, ‘whatever’s required,’ said one parent). Free coaching in school three times a week throughout the summer too: ‘The first two weeks are fair game for family holidays but after that, you’re expected in every week if you’re serious about the 11-plus,’ one parent told us.

Parents praised the ‘phenomenal’ SENCo (part time as also has teaching responsibilities). Almost seven per cent of pupils have a diagnosis (mostly mild to moderate autism, ADHD or dyslexia) plus a similar number without formal diagnosis receiving extra support. No EHCPs currently. Most support is delivered in lessons, although booster groups (included in fees) are run in registration or before school. The ideal combination, one parent felt: ‘My daughter’s never been made to feel different, she’s included in everything but always has someone to go to for help.’ SENCo monitors data meticulously to track all pupils’ progress, including keeping the most able challenged, eg setting up a presentation club, debating topics like ‘Do footballers earn too much?’

Stunning artwork on display in the art studio - from papier-mâché Grecian urns to Banksy-inspired posters, and we admired some sophisticated mood boards made by year 6 ready for the annual art exhibition and fashion show. Music and drama on curriculum from reception - helps build confidence in even the shyest children, parents told us. Parts for everyone on the big stage at Wythenshawe Forum for the infant and junior Christmas shows, written inhouse (next up, The Fright Before Christmas and Once Upon a Snowstorm). ‘It’s not an option - you can’t not be in it, but it’s brilliant fun,’ smiled one pupil. Each class also does a turn at the summer speech day. A quarter of pupils take additional LAMDA lessons; similar numbers plump for music tuition. Popular clubs for ukulele, brass and recorder, plus an orchestra.

Some 25 afterschool activities – everything from cookery to coding, most included in fees; a few (eg fencing, archery) run by outside agencies cost extra. Pupils were particularly enthusiastic about the young vets club - we heard about visits to vet surgeries and using real stethoscopes donated by medic parents. Residential trips to outdoor activity centres from year 4. (‘We did kayaking and climbing, but my favourite was telling stories with my friends at night,’ one pupil told us). Plenty of day trips, from hunting for minibeasts by the River Bollin to visiting the Manchester museums.

Trophy cabinet showcases recent successes in lacrosse (at a national level), dance, basketball and football (the girls’ team has just moved up to the top local division). Tag rugby, netball, tennis, cross country, athletics, rounders and cricket also on curriculum. School balances competitive A teams with training and clubs open to all and plenty of fixtures for more inclusive teams. ‘They never discourage a child,’ one parent said, ‘if you’re not on the team this term you’ll get a go next time.’

‘Fabulous’ pastoral care means that ‘absolutely nothing falls through the cracks,’ said parents. ‘The smallest issues are picked up and acted on.’ Wellbeing clubs include yoga, meditation and ‘keep calm and create’ and there's a quiet room, ‘the peaceful pod’, all soft lighting and greenery, for anyone who needs a little tranquillity. ‘My son can get overwhelmed, but they notice at once, sit him down quietly for five minutes and make him feel he can do it,’ said one parent.

Pupils are working hard but seem very happy and engaged. ‘I have so many best friends,’ beamed one. It’s a supportive atmosphere - we saw pupils stop and applaud each other at the end of a games lesson, and in class hands shot up every time a teacher asked a question, everyone willing to have a go. Misbehaviour is rare but any minor misdemeanour is dealt with briskly – ‘they nip it in the bud, then tomorrow’s another day,’ said one parent approvingly. Star rewards (worn proudly on shirt collars) lead towards coveted gold certificates and the chance of a trip out to a cafe for hot chocolate with the head. Almost as popular is the Miss Beryl Kindness award, named after the school dog, with the weekly winners getting to display a golden paw-print trophy on their desks.

Good ethnic diversity mirrors the local population. ‘My children are mixed race and it’s a really inclusive atmosphere,’ said one parent. Good to see representation on the display boards too (eg portraits of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Faith Ringgold hang alongside Monet and Matisse).

Uniform comprises cheerful yellow and green blazers, with shirts and trousers that can be bought anywhere. ‘At least they don’t have to wear hats,’ noted one parent. Simple home-cooked food (sausage and mash when we visited) goes down a treat, with fruit or cheese platters provided for healthy breaktime snacks.

Hale is part of the Cheshire wealth belt, so there are some very well-heeled parents, but also plenty dual income professionals or business-owners, prioritising independent education for the prep years. Active, friendly PTA organises all the usual balls and children’s social events plus big fundraising projects.