Altrincham Preparatory School is one of the most respected and famous schools in the area founded in 1936 by a group of masters from the neighbouring Altrincham Grammar School.

In the 1930s, the Grammar School on Marlborough Road enjoyed a strong relationship with a primary school called “Bowdon College”, based at College House on South Downs Road. The College was a boarding school with day boys. The owner of Bowdon College, a Mr Smith, died in the early 30’s and in the summer of 1935 his son announced that it was his intention to close the school.

Parents at the soon-to-close Bowdon College and also the Grammar School were very concerned about the lack of primary provision in the area, and asked the Headmaster of AGS Mr Walter Hamblin for help. Four of his senior teachers William Crabb, Arthur Hill, Edward Mason and Alexander Sherriffs founded a junior school in the form of a limited company for 5 to 11 year olds. Original shareholders included Lord Stamford as well as Messrs Hamblin, Crabb, Hill, Mason and Sherriffs.

The school opened in September 1936, with a total of 23 boys.

Over the years, APS has expanded and grown, buying the Highbury building in 1950, building the present day Marlborough Road site in 1997, and most recently the complete renovation of Bank Place adjacent to Highbury as our Early Years Centre of Excellence. There are currently around 340 boys at APS.

The Board of APS

Of the seven serving Directors, four are sons or grandsons of the original 1936 team, and there are two great grandsons currently pupils.

There have been only five Chairmen since 1936: W Hamblin (1936-1944 approx), E Mason (1944 - 1976), A Hill (1976-1982), A E Hill (1982-2013) and A R Hill (2013-present).

The Directors' profiles are available on our staff list.

Headmasters

Gaskell, P A. 1936-1939. First Headmaster of APS, but called up to the forces in 1939
Hartington 1939 - 1946. Mr Hartington was Headmaster through the Second World War
Mason, Edward 1946 - 1966. Mr Mason was one of the original Board, and served in a dual capacity as Chairman and Headmaster from 1946-1966.
Thomson, John Reginald Sept 1966 - 1971. At his appointment, Mr Thomson stated he would serve five years before retirement, and he resigned in July 1971 for health reasons.
Leigh J Sept 1971 - July 1975. Mr Leigh left APS to take up a Deputy Head post at Berwick on Tweed Senior School.
McCay, Ron J Sept 1975 - 1997
Parris, Eileen V Sept 1997 - July 2000
Potts, Andrew C Sept 2000 - present