Frequently asked questions

Who are the Governors?

Please click here to find out more about our Board of Governors.

How many parents' evenings are there each year?

In the Senior school there is one parents' evening per year group and two in Years 1 and 3. 

In the Junior school there are three parents' evenings - An informal ‘Meet the Teacher' evening at the start of the Autumn Term, followed by a formal parents' evening later in that term, and finally one in the Spring Term.

How do I get to the Senior School?

Travelling from North:

Exit M6 Junction 19. A556 towards Chester. Through the traffic lights, straight across at two roundabouts. After the blue bridge, exit at the slip road on right, signposted Hartford. At the ‘T' Junction, turn right, then left at the traffic lights. The Senior School is situated on the left hand side.

Travelling from South:

Exit M6 Junction 18. A54 to Middlewich. A530 to Northwich. A556 to Chester. Continue as above.

Travelling from West:

Take the A54 Chester Road. Straight on at the traffic lights onto Chester Road, A556. Branch left, signposted Hartford and at the ‘T' Junction turn left onto Chester Road, entering Hartford. Continue as above.

How do I get to the Junior School?

Travelling from North:

Exit M6 Junction 19. A556 towards Chester. Through the traffic lights, straight across at two roundabouts. After the blue bridge, exit at the slip road on right, signposted Hartford. At the ‘T' Junction, turn right, then left at the traffic lights. Continue past The Senior School on the left hand side, at the ‘T' Junction turn left. Continue along to the roundabout where the Junior School is situated on the right hand side.

Travelling from South:

Exit M6 Junction 18. A54 to Middlewich. A530 to Northwich. A556 to Chester. Continue as above.

Travelling from West:

Take the A54 Chester Road. Straight on at the traffic lights onto Chester Road, A556. Branch left, signposted Hartford and at the ‘T' Junction turn left onto Chester Road, entering Hartford. Continue as above.

How do I contact the Headmaster?

Please contact the Headmaster via the Headmasters PA; for the Senior school please contact Miss Sharon Dickens on 01606 74007 for the Junior School Headmaster please contact Mrs Mandy Shaw on 01606 77447.

How do I become a member of the Parent's Association?

Please click here to find out more about The Grange School Parent's Association. 

What time does school start and finish?

Senior School 

Pupils should arrive at school between 8.15 and 8.40 am, in time for registration at 8.45 am.  At 3.45 pm, pupils are dismissed from school, unless pupils are staying on site to take part in one of the many enrichment activities that are available.  School buses leave at 3.55 pm

Junior School

Pupils should arrive at school between 8.30 and 8.45 am, in time for registration at 8.45 am.

Kindergarten departs from school at 3.15 pm, they are brought into their playground and they are handed over to the person collecting them.  Children from Prep 1 are taken into the Lower Playground by their form teachers from 3.20 pm and Prep 2 exit the building with their form teachers from 3.25 pm. 

Children going home by school bus wait with their year group teachers until 3.30 pm. 

Preps 3 - 6 leave school from 3.30 pm.  Children travelling home by school bus go to the Small Hall at 3.30 pm. 

When is the open day?

Please click here to register your interest in our next open day.

How many pupils are there in school?

Junior = 451

Senior = 525

6^th Form = 192

Do you have taster days?

Please click here for more information about our taster days.

How do I make an application for my child to apply to join The Grange?

Please click here for more information about joining The Grange.

What are the entry requirements to join The Grange?

 Please visit the 'Our policies' page on our website to find out about our admissions policy.

When is the entrance examination/Kindergarten Assessment?

Please click here to find out more about joining ourKindergarten.

How much are the fees per term?

Please click here for more information about our fees.

Do you take pupils from overseas?

Applications are welcomed from pupils currently overseas, who may be relocating to Cheshire.  Please ring the appropriate school office to discuss such an application. 

Can my child sit the entrance exam overseas?

Arrangements can be made for papers to be taken under the auspices of the pupil's current school (subject to certain assurances having been received). Please ring the appropriate school office to discuss such an application.

Does the school take pupils with special needs?

The School has a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator who keeps teaching staff up-to-date on SEN pupils and their needs.  She creates Individual Education Plans as required.  Her advice is thorough and invaluable. 

All staff are required to have knowledge of all SEN pupils whom they teach and to implement agreed policies to support their learning.  In addition there is a register of Gifted and Talented students which staff/Heads of Departments update regularly and all departments are required to meet the needs of these pupils.

Do you take pupils into Years 8, 9, 10 and the Sixth Form?

Applications are also considered for those pupils wishing to enter in Years 8 to 10. Please contact the Admissions Secretary for further information.

What are the entry requirements to join the Sixth Form?

Students should secure Grade A or A* in the four or five subjects to be studied at AS level; Where the subject is not offered at GCSE (e.g. philosophy), we would expect to see evidence of Grade A or A* in related subjects. These results should be accompanied with four other GCSEs at Grade B or above which should include English and Mathematics if they are not one of the chosen AS subjects; Any remaining GCSE examination results should be at Grade C or above.

How many pupils are in each class?

In the Junior school there are approximately 20 children per class in Kindergaretn & Pre-Prep and 24 in Prep 3 to Prep 6.

In the Senior School there are 25 in each form in Years 7 to 11. 
At GCSE and A Level class sizes can vary depending on the chosen subjects, on average at GCSE class sizes are less than 20 pupils and at A Level less than 12.

What are the schools' term dates?

Please click here to see our term dates.

...I have a complaint or concern to raise with the school?

If the complaint concerns an incident or concern regarding your child, the first person to speak to is their class teacher.  In most cases, the matter will be resolved straight away. If, however, it is not solved to your satisfaction within ten working days, you may refer the concern or complaint to the Head or the Headmaster of the Junior School (as appropriate), stating clearly that you are invoking the School's formal complaints procedure. A copy of this procedure is available upon request from the School office.

...my child has lost his bag/book?

Senior School lost property can be found in the Library.  If the property has been handed in - and it is named it will be returned to the owner.  If not, they will be asked to fill in a Lost Property form.  When the item is found it will be returned to your child via your Form Teacher.  If the item is found by your child, please let the Librarian know.

Junior School lost property can be found in the Prep 1 Cloakroom in the lost property bins.  Items such as watches are usually taken to the School Office.

...I am late collecting my child?

Junior School - Please contact the office by mobile phone and we will arrange for your child to wait in Reception.  If you are not in a position to contact the school, your child will be brought to Reception by 3.45 pm.

...I need to get in touch with my child during the school day?

Please contact the schools office who will relay a message for you or will bring your child to the phone.

...my child is ill and cannot come into school?

On the first day of absence please telephone the school by 9.30 am to report your child's absence.

If your child has been unwell and unable to attend school, we ask you parents to send a letter in to the child's Form Teacher/Junior School office informing them of the reason for the absence on the day they return to school.  

If your child is going to be absent from school for more than three days, we ask parents to telephone the school office to let us know what the problem is. 

...my child needs to be picked up from school after 4 pm?

Junior School children would need to be booked in to Sundowners.  A drop in session can only be booked a week in advance.  Places are limited to 5 drop in places per night.

...my child has a medical or dental appointment?

If your child has to leave the school premises for any reason they should inform their Form Teacher at morning registration by showing a letter from their parents.  They should also inform any subject teacher whose lesson they will be missing.  At the time your child has to leave for the appointment, they should go to the office in reception and show their letter to the secretary and wait in the foyer to be collected. 

... taking pupils out of school during term time?

The School does not approve of parents taking children out of school during term time.  On rare occasions, such as a special family event, permission may be granted, but this will be at the discretion of the Headmaster.

...the safeguarding and welfare of children?

Click here to see our Safeguarding (Child Protection) Policy

...bullying?

Click here to see our Anti Bullying Policy

What are the bus routes?

Many children travel to and from school by one of the private buses - details and timings of these routes are subject to annual changes according to demand.

 Bus No 1 - Appleton 

7.45 am Appleton Fairways.

7.47 am Just after junction of Lyons Lane and Park Crescent.

7.49 am Junction of Lyons Lane/Caversham Close.

7.53 am Junction of Longwood Road/Shillingford Close.

7.55 am Junction of Longwood Road/Stoneacre Gardens.

7.57 am Junction of Dippingbrook Avenue/Old Pewterspear Lane.

7.59 am Cat & Lion Bus Stop.

Bus No 2 - Middlewich

7.30 am Bull Ring, Middlewich.

7.40 am Bus stop before Holmes Chapel CP School.

7.42 am Hopley Tyres, Cranage.

7.45 am Drovers Arms. 

7.52 am Leycester Cottage on Middlewich Road, Toft.

7.53 am High Field Farm Gate, Peover.

7.55 am Lower Peover Village Store.

8.00 am Duke of Portland, Lach Dennis.

8.00 am Moulton Beehive Corner.

8.10 am Junction of Jack Lane/London Road, Davenham.

8.12 am Junction of Grovemount/London Road, Davenham.

8.14 am Kingsmead Estate Clock Tower.

Bus No 3 - Frodsham

7.30 am Aston Lane, Sutton Weaver Bus Stop

7.35 am Garage before traffic lights, Sutton Weaver.

7.37 am Rose Cottage Vet Surgery, Sutton Weaver - Junction of Ship Street/High Street, Frodsham. 

7.45am  Townfield Lane/Fluin Lane, Frodsham, Newton Hall - Children's Home, Frodsham

7.50 am Red Bull Pub, Kingsley Kingsley/Hatchmere Crossroads. 

7.55 am First farm on left

7.57 am Tudor Café, Hatchmere

8.00 am Junction of Hough Lane/School Lane, Norley (Maddocks Hill) - Crown Inn Stores, Norley (Post Office) Tigers Head, Norley. 

8.05 am Cow Lane, Norley.

8.10 am Lay-by Hollow Oak Lane, Delamere Park.

8.12 am White Barn Car Park, Cuddington. 

8.14 am 200 yards from Norley Road School on Norley Road. 

8.15 am Sandiway Church Lay-by.

Bus No 4 - Grappenhall

7.40 am Higher Lane/Oughtrington Lane, Lymm.

7.42 am Higher Lane/Grammar School Road, Lymm.

7.44 am Barrs Bank, Lymm.

7.50 am Lay-by near Euklid Avenue Grappenhall.

7.51 am Barrymore Road (Canal End), Grappenhall, Hill Top Road. 

7.55 am Lumb Brook.

7.56 am Belvoir Road, Stockton Heath.

7.57 am Telephone box/post box on Whitefield Road. 

8.00 am Junction of Orchard Street/London Road, Stockton Heath.

8.03 am London Bridge.

Bus No 5 - Kelsall/Tarporley

7.20 am Barnhouse Veterinary Surgery, Tarvin Road, Littleton

7.40 am Farmers Arms, Kelsall. Bus stop before.

7.42 am Bus stop by OAP flats (Main Road) in Kelsall. 

7.42 am End of Ashton Road Tarvin/Chester Road, and Royal Oak, Kelsall.                

7.42 am Tarvin, Opposite the Copper Kettle.

7.59 am Community Centre, Tarporley.

8.00 am Nat West Bank, Tarporley.

8.05 am Racecourse Lane, Cotebrook.

Bus No 6 - Lymm

7.50 am Junction of Wrenshot Lane/West Lane, High Legh. 

7.50 am Junction of A50/B5159 on Triangle of Village Hall. 

7.51 am First Lane after the Belfry Estate.

7.52 am Bus stop before Clamhunger Lane, Mere.

7.58 am Junction of Garden Road, Knutsford.

8.03 am Legh Road, Knutsford, Junction with Fair Mead.

8.15 am The Smoker, Plumley.

Bus No 7 - Northwich

7.43 am Duck Pond in Higher Whitley

7.45 am Antrobus, Birch & Bottle. 

7.48 am Antrobus, Old Smithy.

7.50 am Antrobus Arms.

7.50 am Drum & Monkey.

7.52 am Spinner & Burgamot.

7.55 am Comberbach Memorial Hall.

8.05 am Barnton Bus Stop, Runcorn Road. 

8.05 am Barnton, Junction Townfield Lane/Beech Lane.

8.07 am A533 bus stop on staggered cross roads, Little Leigh (Shutley Lane)

8.10 am The Horns, Acton Bridge.

Bus No 8 - Nantwich

7.10 am Depart Elworth Depot. 

7.40 am Coppice Road.

7.45 am Peacock Hotel Bus Stop, Nantwich.

7.47 am Red Lion.

7.55 am Royal Oak Pub, Worleston.

8.00 am The Badger Pub, Church Minshull.

8.12 am Junction of Swanlow Lane/Moors Lane, Darnhall.

8.17 am Delamere Street - opposite White Lion, Winsford.

Bus No 10 - Congleton

7.30 am Bears Head Pub, Breraton.

7.40 am Armistead Way, Cranage.

7.45 am Goostrey Station.

7.45 am Goostrey Shops.

7.50 am Mount Pleasant Homes, Goostrey.

7.50 am Trading Post Crossroads, Goostrey.

7.55 am New Platt Lane/A50.

What is the average cost of a bus journey?

The bus journey costs range from £1.70 - £.15 per journey. 

What are the nearest railway stations?

Hartford is served by two main stations, Greenbank Station on the Manchester to Chester
line and Hartford Station on the Crewe to Liverpool line.  Both are less than 10 minutes walk from the school.

Outbound Train Times                                                           

7.46 am           Depart Altrincham                              

7.49 am           Depart Hale

7.52 am           Depart Ashley

7.53 am           Depart Mobberley

7.59 am           Depart Knutsford

8.03 am           Depart Plumley

8.17 am           Arrive Greenbank

How much are the fees per term?

Please click here for more information about our fees.

What are the average additional costs per year?

• GCSE & A Level entrance examination fees
• Nominal stationery charges of Senior School
• Lunches (Junior School) compulsory, costed termly and included in fee accounts as a separate charge
• Swimming (Preps 3 - 6 only) compulsory, costed termly
• Optional extras:  Milk, Transport, Instrumental Music Tuition, Dancing, Speech and Drama

How much do school lunches cost?

Lunches at the Junior school cost £2.70 per day and are billed for termly with the school fees.
Senior school lunches are paid for daily and on average cost £2.00 per day for a main meal and a dessert.

Can I pay my fees via direct debit?

School fees can be paid termly by direct debit.  For further information the Bursars office can assist.

Does the school offer scholarships and if so, what are they and do I qualify?

Please click here for information about our scholarships.

Does the school offer bursaries and if so, what are they and do I qualify?

Please click here for information about our scholarships.

Where do I purchase the school uniform?

The school uniform is purchased through School Blazer an online measuring and ordering school uniform service - please click here to visit the website.

What about hair and make up?

Pupils in Years 1 to 5 are not allowed to wear any jewellery except a watch or medi-alert items, nor may they wear make-up or nail polish. Girls should wear their skirts at an appropriate length, wear plain black shoes - fashion shoes, boots, stiletto and kitten heels are not allowed - heels must be no higher than 5 cms.  

Pupils should carry a plain black bag, with no logo, or a regulation Grange School rucksack. Hairstyles must - in the view of the school - be clean, sensible, neat, tidy and of a natural colour, in line with the high standards that the school sets for uniform and behaviour. Hair must be kept away from the eyes and should not impede effective communication.  Long hair must be tied or clipped back in all situations where good Health and Safety practice demands it.