Our history

A shared vision…

In 1950, a group of parents wanted to find an alternative to schools in the area, believing that every child deserved access to the best education possible. Out of this shared vision, Bridgewater School was born.

A charitable foundation, the school took great care to ensure that all received income was spent wholly on maintaining the school and the education of its pupils. A philosophy still in place today.

Bridgewater School Drywood Hall 1855 datestone

Foundations for success

Since opening our doors to just 55 pupils over seventy years ago, our story has been one of great success and it is the school’s original and unchanging standards of endeavour, personal discipline and excellence which have enabled the school to flourish in such an outstanding way.

To this day, the family ethos which was at the heart of the school’s foundation remains the same and Bridgewater School now provides independent education to boys and girls across the whole schooling age range in an inspirational setting that is inclusive, stimulating and totally focused on achieving every pupil’s individual goals.

Bridgewater School History Timeline

Through the years – a timeline of events
  • 1950 – Bridgewater School opens to 55 boys. The Earl of Ellesmere grants permission for the school to use the name ‘Bridgewater’ and part of his family crest for the logo
  • 1952 – The school makes its home at Drywood Hall, formerly part of the Duke of Bridgewater’s Estate. The half-timber style manor house, once home to Jesse Wallwork (Chairman of Bridgewater Estates), was built in 1855 and sits amid four acres of woodland. (See Wallwork History for more information.)
  • 1968 – The first girls are admitted to the Prep and Senior schools, transforming Bridgewater into the co-educational independent school that we know today
  • 1970 – In addition to the new Science Blocks added during the 1950s and 60s, the Main Hall is now opened and student numbers increase further still to 235
  • 1990 – Opening of the new Prep Building by Sir James Anderton, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester
  • 1996 – New Senior School Building added, providing laboratories and dedicated Art, Drama and IT spaces
  • 2006 – Grand Opening of the new Sports Hall Complex, with purpose built Drama Studio, Music Rooms and Dining Hall
  • 2015 – Addition of a new all-weather 3G sports pitch, outdoor play area and gym equipment
  • 2020 – Seventy years on and 480 pupils are now benefitting from a Bridgewater education

View our Development Programme

A first-hand account from a founding Bridgewater pupil

Gallery

The freedom to be yourself is the greatest freedom of all


Celebrating Year 11 GCSE results 2025

We are delighted to share the fantastic achievements of our Year 11 students in this year’s GCSE examinations. As a year group they have excelled themselves, with every student contributing

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Maxwell Prize recognises holistic endeavours

We are incredibly proud to announce that our nominee for the ISA Maxwell Prize 2025, Olly, has been awarded Second Prize. The annual award recognises the achievements of Year 6

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Outstanding A Level results for 2025

Bridgewater School is delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our 2025 Year 13 cohort, whose dedication and commitment to their studies have been rewarded with a host of truly

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Inspiring young minds at Imagine That

To round off the summer term of 2025, our youngest learners set off on an adventure to Imagine That! Science and Discovery Centre in Liverpool – a day brimming with curiosity,

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