Welcome to Priestnall School
A very warm welcome to our website. Priestnall School is an 11-16 secondary school serving the local community and part of the Laurus Trust family.
Our vision is for every student, regardless of background or circumstance, to acquire the knowledge and develop the qualities that will open the door to the future of their choice.
Learning is at the heart of school life. We want our students to work hard, think deeply and develop a love of learning that stays with them long after they leave us. Alongside academic success, we offer a wide range of opportunities that enable students to develop new interests, take on responsibility and make a positive contribution to the school community.
We place great importance on helping students develop the Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills and Habits (KASH) that will support them in school and beyond.
Our aim is to ensure that every student leaves Priestnall ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Rachel Howarth
Head of School
Rachel was delighted to be appointed Head of School when Priestnall joined the Laurus Trust in September 2023, having begun her teaching career at Priestnall some 20 years earlier.
Rachel brings a wealth of experience in education, having played a central role in raising and maintaining high standards of teaching and learning at the Laurus Trust’s founding school, Cheadle Hulme High School (CHHS).
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During her time at CHHS, she held several roles, including Head of Maths. She has been a senior leader for five years, initially as an Assistant Headteacher and, most recently, as Deputy Headteacher.
Rachel graduated from Newcastle University with a BA (Hons) before completing her PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is also a specialist Leader in Education (SLE) and has a Master’s degree in Education.
Rachel is passionate about improving opportunities for young people and is committed to ensuring that students at Priestnall achieve the best possible outcomes and develop the skills to succeed in the future of their choice.
Rachel is a mum to two high school aged children.