Latest News
New Head for the Birkdale Family of Schools
Ben Bowles has been appointed as the new Head of the Birkdale Family of Schools, which includes Sheffield’s Birkdale School and the Peak District’s S. Anselm’s School, taking up his post in April 2025. Ben joins from The Manchester Grammar School where he has been Deputy Head (Academic) for the past four years, while also being familiar with Birkdale, having been an active member of the Governing body since 2020. Ben was born in Rwanda, but grew up mostly in Yorkshire. He read Engineering at the University of Oxford. Ben brings with him a wealth of experience with over 20 years in teaching and leadership roles. He has taught at a country boarding school, a Swiss international school and a London day school before taking up Deputy Head roles, first at Stockport Grammar School and latterly at The Manchester Grammar School. The married father-of-four said: “I am delighted to be joining such a welcoming and close-knit community, deeply committed to academic excellence, rounded education, and rooted in a strong Christian ethos. I look forward to working alongside the exceptional staff, as every day they inspire and support each pupil in flourishing to their full potential. I also look forward to getting to know the many families who have entrusted Birkdale and S. Anselm’s with the education and development of their children. "Leadership of a school with such a great track record of academic success and care for the individual is both a privilege and great responsibility. I am honoured to be taking up the role of Head, and will dedicate myself to shaping our Birkdale schools as they seek to serve pupils who will be at the cutting edge of the next generation.” Paul Houghton, Chair of the Board of Governors, commented: “Ben joins Birkdale with a track record of strong academic leadership in some of the UK’s top performing schools. He brings a passionate determination that each pupil should have a great day every day. When this happens in the context of caring a Christian school focused on academic excellence and offering a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, learning becomes hugely enjoyable and Birkdale educated young people leave ready for the world. We are delighted that Ben is taking up the role of leading us through the next years of growth, development and serving our pupils.” Ben Bowles will take over from Peter Harris who has been the Head at Birkdale for six years and is taking up a new opportunity in Kenya.
Lighting the fire for Knowledge
This year our Prep School quiz teams have performed remarkably well, reaching the finals of the Quiz Club National Championships. The competition aims to boost confidence, broaden knowledge and encourage great team work, but above all is fantastic fun for your pupils and their supporters. This is a national inter-schools championship in 3 categories: General Knowledge, Maths and Science with over 600 schools entering the quiz each year. Last Friday, our two General Knowledge Quiz Teams visited Oxford University for the National Finals. They came 9th in the country and were the highest-placed school from the North of England. Congratulations to our pupils for their superb effort and fantastic achievement!
Matilda the Musical
Congratulations to all of the cast (pupils from P1-P4) and crew who were worked tirelessly to create the musical masterpiece, Matilda. The show was packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and was an unforgettable and joyous girl power romp! The children performed over two nights on the senior school stage, demonstrating talent beyond their years but above all having lots of fun. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Matilda, beautifully performed by Amelie S, is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey, Suhana C, begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, played hilariously by Alex H, hates children and just loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace! Mrs Needham, Head of Drama said “I am immensely proud of each and every member of the cast for their resilience, teamwork and talent.”
Christmas Sparkle
Christmas is always a very special time at Birkdale, there are so many activities to enjoy. Prep School Our Pre-Prep children performed incredibly in their Christmas Nativity. Their confidence and talent shone through and delighted the audience with lots of singing and dancing. It was lovely to see how the older children helped the younger ones too! On Wednesday the annual Christmas Fair took place which was lots of fun for everyone. All proceeds of the Fair will go to the School charity Baby Basics. This was followed by the annual Christmas Carol Service at the Jubilee Centre. We were thrilled to welcome so many parents to join us. It was, as ever, a showcase of music, public speaking and performance by our talented pupils. Senior School At the Senior School there was a musical extravaganza at the Christmas Music Concert, where nearly 100 pupils participated in bands, ensembles and choirs. The music spanned a wide variety of instruments including strings, brass & wind. Well done to everyone who took part! The Senior Christmas Carol Service was slightly different this year, taking place at the lovely St. John's Church in Ranmoor. It was the perfect setting for a festive evening of music and carols. In true Birkdale style we had numerous Bible readings narrating the Christmas story and were treated to a lovely address by Mrs Hidden, the School Chaplain. Everyone left feeling uplifted and ready for the Christmas period ahead. A short clip can be viewed below: https://twitter.com/BirkdaleSchool/status/1735293644272234514 Finally, on Friday the whole school came together for a Christmas service before leaving for the holidays. We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Birkdalian Magazine
Our annual Birkdalian magazine provides a fantastic round-up of all of the exciting activities our pupils experience. Thanks to Mr Rodgers who works tirelessly putting it together. Please view it here: https://www1.birkdaleschool.org.uk/Books/Birkdalian2023/index.html
Stronger together – two leading independent schools to join forces
Two leading independent schools are coming together to build firm foundations for the future and provide more opportunities for pupils today and tomorrow. Governors have decided that South Yorkshire’s Birkdale and the Peak District’s S. Anselm's will join forces from the start of the new academic year in September, and build on both school’s traditions, dating back to 1888. Birkdale School, based in Sheffield, celebrates its 120th year in 2024. It is a day school for boys and girls, with children aged between 4 and 18 while S. Anselm’s, part of the community in Bakewell since 1888, is a day and boarding school for boys and girls from age 3 to 13. S. Anselm’s will become part of the Birkdale family but there will be no day-to-day changes for pupils, families or staff at either school as we design the details, together, of the new opportunities the coming together will bring at both schools. The leadership of both organisations will explore opportunities for both school communities building on a shared ethos of academic excellence that is grounded in a nurturing and caring environment. Paul Houghton, Chair of Governors of Birkdale School, said: “We believe this is an exciting opportunity for both our school communities to come together during a time of rapid change in the world in general, and the independent education sector in particular. “Both Birkdale and S. Anselm’s have continuously evolved in their long histories to provide the best, rounded education to every pupil, and this move will ensure we can build on the ethos both schools share, work collaboratively to extend opportunities for our pupils now and long into the future. “We truly believe Birkdale Prep, Birkdale Senior, Birkdale Sixth Form and S. Anselm’s will thrive as part of an expanded Birkdale family which exemplifies the belief that runs through everything we do, that we are stronger together.” Richard Bowker, Chair of Governors of S. Anselm’s School, said: “S. Anselm’s will become part of the Birkdale family, but there will be no day-to-day changes for pupils, families or staff at either school other than the exciting opportunities afforded over time by the sharing of best practice, facilities and resources. “Our combined entity will be far more than the sum of the individual parts and lead to much greater choice and flexibility for all families and children at both schools.”
Enjoying Learning Beyond the Classroom
Children at the Prep School really enjoy their Outdoor Education programme, becoming healthier and more resilient and transferring the confidence they gain into other areas of their learning. We often hear them say “that was the best day ever!” at the end of a trip, even after rainy days. The chance to experience learning and work as part of a team (sometimes against the elements!) in another setting is a huge boost to the self-esteem of all of our pupils. Outdoor Education at the Prep School builds physical and mental resilience and improves general wellbeing. Each Class across the Prep School has one day every term dedicated specifically to Outdoor Education led by Dom McDermott of Beyond the 4 Walls. The children prepare for these days with briefing sessions where they are talked through the route which they will be walking and basic skills such as how to properly pack a rucksack and how to dress appropriately for the trip are discussed. These basic skills provide an important grounding for the work the children do when they reach Senior School. The Beyond the 4 Walls days take the children across the Peak District. Hope, Edale, Hathersage, Castleton, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Burbage Brook, Surprise View and Grindleford are just a few of the destinations. The children focus on orienteering, map skills and building walking stamina. The trips are planned and run entirely using public transport. This builds the children’s ability to plan a route and their independence as a result. The children have opportunities to work as a team and encourage each other in different ways from classroom learning. It provides the opportunity for children who might struggle to shine as leaders. At Birkdale, children become increasingly confident in their preparation for the Beyond the 4 Walls days and their ability to manage the practicalities grows as they progress through the school.
Prep Festival of Music
The Prep School ‘Festival of Music Concert' to Parents was on Monday evening this week and WOW (!) what a fantastic showcase of school talent it was. The concert had a truly lovely and supportive atmosphere and featured students from P1 – P4 performing an eclectic mix of pop, classical, jazz and funk pieces. We were treated to Grade 8 piano repertoire, choreographed singing and dancing routines and young bands performing their own compositions to a wider audience for the first time. A fabulous time was had by all!
Argh me hearties!
Birkdale Prep had a swashbuckling time on Thursday last week, when we celebrated a pirate-themed World Book Day. The school was transformed into a pirate ship for the day. The children had a workshop with pirate book author (and former Birkdale TA) Amy Wilkins-Patel, solved riddles on a treasure hunt around school, got up-close to 3 fabulous parrots, ate a delicious pirate-themed lunch, and enjoyed some pirate themed lessons. It was wonderful to see all the children in their fantastic costumes, celebrating pirates and, most importantly, books! Head of the Prep School Mr Burch said 'World Book Day is always a great day as we love celebrating books and reading here at Birkdale. Having a pirate theme this year was all down to a great idea from Mrs Tonks our Head of English. The superb pieces of writing that children from all parts of the school have produced is testament to how inspiring the whole day was.
Christmas Stars
Christmas is a time when Birkdale pupils truly shine. Last Thursday we kicked off our Christmas celebrations with a wonderful concert featuring all of our ensembles, bands and choirs. It was great to have everyone back together for this year’s event. There was a packed programme of music including Christmas favourites with some special arrangements. Around 80 pupils were involved in 13 groups, showcasing the best of Birkdale music. The Heeley Hall was packed with an appreciative audience. Here are some highlights: https://youtu.be/REnAj1ttTAE For younger pupils our Pre-Prep Nativity – The Birth of a King – was a beautiful way to start the build-up to Christmas. All those involved gave an amazing performance, thank you to everyone who played a part in making it such a success. https://youtu.be/16M6G1fOAFs
