Established in 1877, The Ryleys has a proud history spanning almost 150 years. Originally founded as a boys’ school, it became co-educational in 2009 and today welcomes boys and girls from 12 months to 11 years as an independent Early Years and preparatory school in the heart of Alderley Edge.
The school enters its 150th anniversary year at an exciting point in its development, with significant investment in its facilities, Early Years provision and learning environments, alongside the arrival of new Headteacher Giles Puckle.
Joining The Ryleys following more than two decades working in independent education, Giles brings extensive experience from both single-sex and co-educational schools, including senior leadership roles in the preparatory sector. Most recently, he was at Bute House Preparatory School in London.
Sport has also played an important part in Giles’ life and career; a PE specialist and accomplished cricketer, he has played the game at county level. While proud of its long history, The Ryleys is firmly focused on its future. One of the most significant recent developments has been the expansion of its Early Years provision, which now welcomes children from 12 months old and creates a seamless educational journey through to Reception and beyond.
Children in Early Years benefit not only from dedicated Early Years practitioners but also from access to the expertise and facilities of the wider preparatory school. As they grow, pupils are introduced to specialist teaching in areas including French, sport and music, helping them to become familiar with school life, specialist teachers and a broad curriculum well before they reach Reception.
The recently enhanced Early Years environment has also been designed to give children greater opportunities to explore, create and learn through play. New spaces include The Loft, an imaginative space designed to encourage curiosity, creative thinking and cognitive development, and The Atelier, where children can experiment with art, materials and open-ended creative activities. Investment has also extended outdoors, creating improved areas for physical play, exploration and learning beyond the classroom.
Together, these developments reflect the school’s belief that high-quality education begins from the very earliest years. Giles explains: ‘I am thrilled to be at The Ryleys. We are a non-selective preparatory school where children benefit from small classes, individual attention and exceptional opportunities, preparing them not simply for their next school but for the confidence and independence they will need beyond it.
‘One of the things that really attracted me to The Ryleys is the breadth of opportunity available to children. From their earliest days in Early Years, they are part of the wider life of the school and benefit from specialist expertise, excellent facilities and a curriculum designed to develop the whole child.’
‘In my view, our role is to recognise and develop the potential of every child. By regularly tracking individual progress from the moment a child joins us, we are able to ensure that every pupil is appropriately supported and challenged throughout their time here. I also believe that being part of a community in which children have different strengths, talents and interests inspires them to learn from one another and discover their own potential.’
That individual approach continues throughout the school. Small classes allow teachers to know their pupils exceptionally well, while specialist teaching, sport, music, creative subjects and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities give children the chance to discover where their own strengths and interests lie.
As an independent, co-educational preparatory school, The Ryleys is not tied to one particular senior school. Instead, its focus is on helping families find the right next step for each individual child.
‘We have open conversations with parents about their children’s futures,’ says Giles. ‘We aim to ensure that each child moves on to a school in which they can continue to flourish. We discuss each family’s preferences alongside the schools we believe would suit that particular pupil. It is more important to us that the destination is right for the individual child than simply being able to point to numbers entering one particular senior school. After all, even within one family, the school that suits one child may not be right for their sibling. Each child’s needs are individual, and our guidance reflects that.’
The relationship between school and home is another important part of life at The Ryleys. Giles places considerable emphasis on maintaining the school’s warm, inclusive community, with parents regularly welcomed into school for Friday Celebration Assemblies, sporting fixtures, social events, performances and parent-pupil workshops.
This sense of community sits alongside The Ryleys’ five core values: A Desire to Learn, A Global Perspective, A Committed Team Player, A Generosity of Spirit and A Quiet Confidence. Together, they underpin the school’s ambition to develop confident, kind and capable young people while inspiring them to achieve their very best.
As The Ryleys celebrates turning 150 years young, its focus is therefore as much on what comes next as on everything that has gone before.
With an expanded Early Years offer, investment in new learning environments and a new Headteacher leading the school into its next chapter, The Ryleys is combining its heritage with a clear ambition for the future.
It is a fitting approach for a school that continues to live by its long-established mission: Inspiring Young Minds since 1877.
The Ryleys School, Ryleys Lane, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 7UY // 01625 583241 // reception@theryleys.com
