An independent Shropshire school has announced that it is bucking the trend with pupil numbers.
Prestfelde Preparatory School revealed that pupil figures are now at a seven-year high and are set to increase even further in September.
Mark Groome, headmaster of the school, which is based on a 30-acre site in Shrewsbury’s London Road, said that he was delighted with the rise in admissions.
“We now have 291 pupils in the school, which is the highest number since 2008. Numbers have risen by more than 10% over the last four years – proving that Prestfelde is bucking the national trend for independent schools.
“Our girl pupil numbers represent the highest percentage ever and it is particularly pleasing to be able to say that we have more girls in our middle and senior school than in our history.
“Class sizes remain largely within our parameters of 18 pupils, with a waiting list now for some classes, and interest in joining the school in September is very strong, which should bring us even closer to our optimum number of 300 children.
“This is all very good news – the fact that Prestfelde is thriving enables us to continue to improve our facilities and so enhance the added value opportunities available to our children,” he said.
The school’s summer term open event on May 7 has been planned to coincide with the history department’s annual ‘Tudor day’ when many pupils dress up as period characters, including noblemen and women, mercenaries and jesters and hold a traditional ‘banquet’.
Visitors will be taken on a tour of the school by Tudor-costumed guides and will have the opportunity to observe a longbow demonstration.
“It should be a fun day for the pupils and an interesting day for our visitors,” Mr Groome added.
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