We are delighted that you are considering Pownall Hall School for your child. Our admissions process is designed to be clear, personal and supportive, ensuring that both you and your child feel confident and welcomed at every stage.
A calm and supportive process, our admissions process is designed to be personal and unhurried. We are always happy to answer questions and guide families at a pace that feels right.
Jane brings over 27 years of experience in early years and independent education, having worked across a range of leading schools and day nurseries throughout the UK. She holds a BA (Hons) in Early Years Practice and has a deep understanding of what families value when choosing the right school for their child.
Jane joined Pownall Hall School in January 2022 as an early years practitioner, playing a key role in the opening of the Robin Room and supporting our youngest children as they began their educational journey. This hands-on experience within the school community gives her a unique insight into life at Pownall Hall and the individual needs of each child.
As Admissions Manager, Jane works closely with families, guiding them through the admissions process with care, clarity and warmth. She is always happy to answer questions, offer advice and ensure that every family feels supported from their first enquiry onwards.
Visit
Stage 1
Register
Stage 2
Taster
Stage 3
Offer
Stage 4
The first step is to visit Pownall Hall and experience school life for yourself.
Rather than holding large open events, we invite families to enjoy a private, one-to-one tour with the Headmaster during a normal working day. This allows you to see the school in action, meet members of staff, and gain a genuine sense of the warmth, values and community that define Pownall Hall. There is plenty of time to ask questions and explore whether Pownall Hall feels like the right fit for your child.
What happens after you get in touch?
Once you have completed the enquiry form, linked below, a member of our Admissions Team will contact you to discuss availability and arrange a visit at a time that suits you. We can accommodate visits any weekday, during school hours.
Following your visit, families who wish to proceed will receive a registration pack, including a registration form.
Once completed, the form can be returned by email to
admissions@pownallhallschool.co.uk
or by post to:
Admissions Manager
Pownall Hall School
Carrwood Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5DW
A registration fee of £60 is payable at this stage.
Our approach to assessment is thoughtful, age-appropriate and designed to ensure that each child will be happy and able to thrive at Pownall Hall.
Woodland Nursery
There are no formal assessments for entry into our Woodland Nursery. Instead, you and your child will be invited to spend time in the nursery with our Head of EYFS or Head of Nursery. This relaxed visit allows us to understand your child’s routines, interests and needs, while giving you the opportunity to meet the team and explore how we can support your child’s early development.
Kindergarten
Children attend a short session where they are gently observed through play-based activities, in line with the EYFS Early Learning Goals. These sessions are carefully structured to feel familiar and enjoyable, helping children feel at ease from the outset.
Reception and above
Children joining Form 1 and above are invited to attend two consecutive taster days, designed to give them a true sense of life at Pownall Hall.
Taster Day One – Classroom Experience
Children take part in age-appropriate academic activities in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Alongside this, our staff focus on getting to know your child pastorally, supporting them as they settle into the classroom environment and build relationships with peers.
Taster Day Two – The Wider School Experience
This day is all about discovery. Children experience our broader curriculum, including art in the studio, science in the laboratory, music in the theatre, sport in our sports hall or on the astro, and Forest School in our beautiful grounds.
By the end of the second day, children have a genuine understanding of school life at Pownall Hall and often leave feeling excited about what lies ahead.
This process helps us to understand each child as an individual and ensure they are well suited to our learning environment.
Should we be pleased to offer your child a place, you will receive an acceptance form along with a request for a £500 deposit. This deposit secures your child’s place and is fully refundable when your child leaves Pownall Hall at the end of Form 6.
Our Admissions Team will guide you through this stage and is always available to answer any questions.
For children joining the Woodland Nursery, families are invited to attend a new starter meeting with their child, followed by settling-in sessions arranged close to the start date.
These sessions allow children to become familiar with their surroundings and key staff, supporting a smooth, confident and happy transition into school life.
