At almost 90 years old The Grange School, in comparison to other independent schools, is quite young. This though, is what makes The Grange so unique. Whilst we still hold our traditional values, we are not bound by outdated traditions. This allows us to be a forward-thinking and dynamic independent school fit for modern life. This is how we got here…
The Grange was founded as a Preparatory School in 1933, and flourished under the tenure of its founder, Mrs Helen Perry, from small beginnings in her house in Hartford. By 1961, when Mrs Perry retired, the school roll stood at over 200 and it was at that point that ownership passed from its founder to a Trust set up by parents.
In 1977, Mr Scott Marshall was appointed Headmaster. He inherited a school at something of a crossroads, still somewhat unsure of its place in the rapidly changing educational world. At the urging of parents who wanted for their children to have a Grange secondary education, The Grange Senior School was opened.
The Senior School had 27 founding students and three very versatile full-time staff! Through their dedication and the hard work of all involved with The Grange, the school's growth proved spectacular. Important landmarks were passed: the first O-levels in 1982; the founding of the Sixth Form in 1983; the first university-bound students in 1985. By that point, the school roll stood at over 700 and The Grange was firmly established in Cheshire and beyond. The rising numbers eventually necessitated the development of a purpose-built Junior School which was opened by Princess Margaret in April 1996.
Mr Marshall’s retirement in 1997 saw him leaving behind a school the growth and success of which had fully justified the faith of the governors in supporting his vision. He was succeeded by Mrs Jenny Stephen. Under her tenure, the quality and attractiveness of the Senior School’s facilities grew strikingly, with state-of-the-art science laboratories and ICT suites, a new library and a new 350-seat theatre. Exam results also improved leading to regular appearances in the top 100, even the top 40, of league-tables.
In 2005 Mr Christopher Jeffery took over as Headmaster. Under his leadership the school continued to add to its reputation both locally and nationally, as well as opening a new Sixth Form Centre, providing a forward-looking education to equip its students to flourish in the 21st Century.
Mrs Debbie Leonard was appointed Head in 2016 and she was instrumental in helping to continue building the school’s reputation, bringing in new digital systems to ensure that the school remains at the forefront in an age of technology. Mrs Leonard continued to maintain the school's excellent results as well as overseeing the build of a £6 million sports centre.
Our current Head, Dr Lorraine Earps joined The Grange School in September 2021 and spent her first year at The Grange getting to know and understand the whole school community. Lorraine plans to continue the work of her predecessors in making the school a centre of excellence for learning. A place that provides a bespoke individualised educational experience designed to meet the needs of every member of the community, irrespective of background.
Built on the vision of its successive Heads, the wise judgment of its Governors, the support and commitment of its parent body, the hard work and inspiration of its staff and the talent of its young people, the brief history of The Grange School explains its present confidence and many successes.
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