Still looking for a reception place for 2022?
The best way to understand what our school has to offer your child is to come and visit. This gives you the opportunity to both meet and talk with the Head and also see how Park could benefit your child as they learn and grow. There are a few remaining places left, so please complete the form b...
Looking for a nursery?
Our nursery is set up to ensure your child gets the best start in life
Welcome to Park School
We have built a very strong reputation for excellence in the education of young children at our independent prep school in the heart of Bournemouth. This was supported by our last inspection when we were rated as excellent.
Our carefully differentiated teaching and individual support means that all of our children progress quickly at their own level, whether they are academic high-fliers or pupils benefiting from a steadier pace.
Many of our children pass the test to one of our local Grammar Schools or gain scholarships to local Independent Secondary Schools.
Why Park School?
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Polite
Park School pupils are encouraged to show good manners at all times.
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Ambitious
At Park we do not put any limits on what children can achieve.
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Resilient
When learning any new skill there will be times when children will find things challenging and need support and encouragements to persist and ‘keep trying’.
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Kind
Being kind allows everyone to communicate better, be more compassionate
History of Park School
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1928
The story of Park School begins in 1928 in Southsea, Portsmouth. The school was started by Miss Lawrence Baker whose fiancé had been killed in the First World War. The school was called Palmyra School. It was a school for young girls. When war was declared Hitler wanted to stop the navy sailing off to war and he sent bomber planes over to bomb the harbour. Portsmouth was no longer a safe place to live so it was decided to move the school to Bournemouth.
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1941
In 1941, shortly after Palmyra School moved to Bournemouth, Miss Gittings took over as head, becoming one of the youngest head teachers in Bournemouth. Palmyra School still only had seven pupils who were taught in one classroom. Miss Gittings changed the name to Park School. She was the only teacher and had to work very hard, sometimes her mother helped her out so she could have a break. Mr Gittings ran a school for boys - St Withrams in Boscombe.
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1956
Park School continued to grow and grow. The Gittings bought number 43 to extend the school and to provide a home for themselves.
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1960
Mrs Gitting’s sister came to teach with her and as the school grew, a new teacher was employed - Mrs Smith. Mrs Smith taught at Park School for 20 years. When she died the children collected money which they gave to the Gittings. The Gittings built a hall which was called The Smith Memorial hall. Assemblies were held in the hall. The hall is still part of Park School today and is currently where Nursery Oaks are.
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2008
Park School family grew even further and opened its own Nursery in 2008
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2013
In 2013, Park School Nursery extended their family to welcome 2 year olds.
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2014
In 2014, Park School acquired Dean Park sports ground. From here sporting activities would take place most days, including hosting their own fixture days.
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2015
In 2015, Park School achieved the highest possible mark in the full ISI inspection
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2016
In 2016, Dean Park was newly fitted with new astro pitch!
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2019
In 2019, Park was ranked as no. 38 in The Sunday Times Top 100 Prep Schools in the UK
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2020
In 2020, Park was ranked no.32 in The Sunday Times Top 100 Prep Schools in the UK
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2022
Park School Nursery expanded in January 2021 to accept babies from the age of 3 months. The baby room is in a self-contained unit with a separate sleep area. The babies are cared for by dedicated members of the nursery staff team.
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