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Bridgewater School

Secular, Founded 1950

Updated July 2026

3–18Ages
Co-edGender
DayType
Non-profitOwnership

Curriculum

Accreditations

Bridgewater School is an independent, co-educational day school for students aged 3 to 18, located in a semi-rural setting in Worsley, Greater Manchester. It provides a holistic, forward-thinking education focused on nurturing the individual potential of every student within a supportive family environment.

Teaching approach

Bridgewater School is founded on a family ethos that prioritizes the individual, ensuring every student is known by name and supported in their unique journey. The school aims to nurture curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, fostering a positive attitude towards learning. It emphasizes an inclusive, stimulating, and supportive environment where students are encouraged to reach and exceed their personal goals.

Programmes

The school provides a continuous academic journey starting with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for children aged 3 to 5, followed by the Prep School and Senior School. The curriculum is designed to build foundational knowledge in core areas such as communication, literacy, and mathematics, progressing to GCSE and A Level pathways. Sixth Form students benefit from small class sizes and an enrichment programme that includes Independent Learning Projects (ILPs) as a stepping stone to the Extended Project Qualification.

Outcomes

Bridgewater School consistently achieves excellent academic results, including strong A Level pass rates in the Sixth Form. Students are encouraged to develop skills for life, with many progressing to university to pursue diverse fields such as Psychology, Fine Art, Law, and Medicine. The school celebrates student achievement across a wide range of disciplines, including academic subjects, sports, and the arts.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school is committed to supporting the individual needs of every student through a nurturing and inclusive environment. Pastoral care is integrated throughout all departments, with dedicated staff and tutor groups providing guidance and support. A formal learning support programme is available in the Senior School to assist students in achieving their personal academic goals.

Frequently asked questions(6)
What curriculum does Bridgewater School offer?
Bridgewater School offers British EYFS.
What ages does Bridgewater School teach?
Bridgewater School enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
Is Bridgewater School a day or boarding school?
Bridgewater School is a day school.
What accreditations does Bridgewater School hold?
Bridgewater School holds accreditations including COBIS.
Is Bridgewater School co-educational?
Bridgewater School is a co-ed school.
Where is Bridgewater School located?
Bridgewater School is an international school in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

Bridgewater School welcomes enquiries for admissions across all stages, from Early Years through to Sixth Form. Prospective families are encouraged to arrange a tour or attend an open event to experience the school environment firsthand. The school provides a fee structure that is inclusive of school lunches, with various flexible payment schemes available, including annual, termly, and monthly direct debit options. Financial assistance may be available through bursaries and scholarships, and eligible families can access government funding for nursery fees.

Calendar

The school operates on a termly basis, with the academic year typically concluding in early July followed by a summer holiday period. The calendar includes a variety of events such as sports tournaments, enrichment trips, drama productions, and seasonal celebrations. Parents are kept informed of term dates and specific event schedules through the school's regularly updated online calendar.

Facilities

PlaygroundSports fieldGymnasiumLibraryDining hallArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditorium

About the campus

Set within the Grade II listed Drywood Hall and four acres of woodland, the campus combines traditional architecture with contemporary facilities. Key amenities include a purpose-designed Early Years unit, a sports hall complex, a 3G all-weather floodlit sports pitch, an adventure playground, and a dedicated drama studio. The school also provides an extended day facility to support families with wraparound care.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a diverse enrichment programme that extends beyond the classroom to foster individual talents and interests. Activities include sports such as football, cross-country, fencing, rugby, basketball, and skiing, as well as creative pursuits like music, drama, and debating. Students also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the Bridgewater Flying Club, and various charity fundraising initiatives, supported by an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

  • Judy NairnHead Teacher

    Judy Nairn has been the Head Teacher of Bridgewater School since March 2010. Previously, she served as the sole deputy of the whole school and Head of the Preparatory Department. She has a background in elite sports, having captained Great Britain, Wales, the North, and Lancashire in lacrosse, and was named the Royal Bank of Scotland female team coach of the year in 1994.

  • Phil LyonsPastoral Deputy Head

    Phil Lyons is the Pastoral Deputy Head and Head of History. He is a senior examiner for A-level History, has been involved in producing A-level podcasts, and has created GCSE revision resources for the BBC. He has 20 years of experience in moderating and examining.

  • Waheed AminAcademic Deputy Head

    Waheed Amin was appointed Academic Deputy Head in 2025. He has over 20 years of experience teaching ICT and Mathematics, has examined GCSE and A Level ICT for 15 years, and is an accredited Cambridge Trainer.

  • Matt RooneyHead of the Preparatory Department

    Matt Rooney is the Head of the Preparatory Department, responsible for classes between the ages of 3 and 11. He is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and serves as a Deputy Head of the whole school.

  • Karen BoothSenior Teacher

    Karen Booth is a senior teacher in the Preparatory Department, where she teaches the Prep IV class. She is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and serves as the History Coordinator for the department.

  • Fay Davenport-ThomasBursar

    Fay Davenport-Thomas joined Bridgewater in September 2009 as the Bursar, Company Secretary, and Clerk to the Governors. Prior to this, she had 19 years of business management experience within the aviation industry, with a focus on financial, change, procurement, and project management.

  • Rebecca JohnsonFinance Manager

    Rebecca Johnson joined the school as Finance Manager in 2013, having previously served as the school's external management accountant. She became a member of the Senior Leadership Team in 2025 and is ACCA qualified.