Head of Performing Arts

History of Beech Hall

Beech Hall was built for a prosperous mill owner in the 19th Century, but became a school in 1926.  The school buildings are sited at the top of a hill overlooking the Bollin Valley, a beautiful stretch of Cheshire countryside. The school has extensive playing fields set in the valley below, and these are reached by a long walk down steps cut into the hill (the return walk after games seems like an even longer walk!) For the teaching of games and PE we also have a heated sports hall on site and a heated swimming pool that is used in the summer months. During the winter, we swim at a local indoor pool however the outdoor pool is still used for our winter training camps!

In 2002 Beech Hall School purchased its land and buildings. Since then, there has been investment in new and existing facilities.  A new playground has been installed and next to it an astro turf pitch.  The Nursery has been relocated in what was the Headmaster’s house, whilst the senior school is accommodated in attractive classrooms in the old stable block and on Ivy Bank. Junior classes have been moved from school outbuildings into beautifully restored rooms in the main building. There have been significant improvements in ICT, Library and Drama facilities.

The School - Composition.

Beech Hall is a very friendly place.  The staff are dedicated and hardworking; the children are amiable and receptive; and the parents supportive and enthusiastic.

Beech Hall School accepts both boys and girls. The pupil  roll is currently two-thirds boys, one-third girls. The children that attend Beech Hall School range from 6 months to 16 years old. The youngest children are housed in the nursery building. This is staffed by a team of trained Nursery Nurses.   A pre-school is also sited in the nursery building.  From 4 to 7, the children are in a part of the infant school and from 7 to 11 the children join the junior school. Pupils from age 11 upwards are in the senior school. The average class size at the school is currently 12 children.

The Curriculum

The children are taught a broad and balanced curriculum: Maths, English, Science, IT, Art and DT, History, Geography, French, German, PE, Games, RE, Swimming and Music. Children have the option of taking private music lessons, and some have private tutoring on site out of school hours in maths and English. A number of children also receive learning support for various special needs.

After school activities range from numerous sports to music, art and drama. The school has a fine sporting record and enjoys significant success at football, rugby, hockey, athletics and netball.

Local Area

Macclesfield is set in the prosperous area of South East Cheshire. To the east lies the beautiful hills of Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park. Immediately to the west lie the exclusive towns of Alderly Edge and Wilmslow, home to celebrities from sport and show business. To the north is Manchester (about 15 minutes by train, 30 minutes by road) filled with culture, restaurants, various sporting arena, and a thriving nightlife. Manchester has recently become one of the most fashionable and vibrant cities in England.

Manchester airport is no more than 30 minutes from the school and London about three hours by road, 90 minutes by train.

There are local shops and amenities within walking distance. Large supermarkets are also close by in the town centre.