The new headmistress of The Queen’s Lower School plans to make adventure a fundamental thread running through her school curriculum.

From learning algebra in Year 6 to tackling Mandarin in Reception she intends to ensure that every lesson is a fizz of excitement, challenge and adventure.

Rachel Cookson joined Queen’s Lower School, based on Liverpool Road, in September. She had previously been head of pre-prep at Terra Nova Independent School in Holmes Chapel.

Her vision builds on the already excellent work that takes place at Queen’s Lower School which has seen it named as The Best in the North West for its outstanding academic results and nurturing and inspiring girls.

Pupils aged from four to 11 will soon be able to make use of brand new outdoor learning environments dotted around the school’s grounds. These include a new outdoor theatre, classroom, gazebo, climbing equipment, a covered all-weather play area, a new ‘mud kitchen’ and a ball sports area for football and cricket.

The Queen's Lower School pupils will soon be able to make use of brand new outdoor learning environments dotted around the schools extensive grounds

Girls already have a pool on site, a forest school area, a hockey practice area, netball courts and a long jump pit and climbing equipment for older children. Inside the Grade II-listed site there are specific music rooms and a performing arts studio as well as an IT suite, although technology is weaved into most lessons, using iPads, coding and multimedia technology to present information in new and exciting ways.

Mrs Cookson said: “It is a great honour to lead this school into its next phase, building on the creative foundations set by my predecessor Mrs Taylor. I am passionate about schools’ learning environments as I believe they are central to success. It starts with bricks and mortar and good facilities but more important are fantastic teaching and support staff who are creative in their use of these spaces and see learning opportunities in everything.”

The Queen's Lower School are holding an open morning for parents and children on Saturday, November 8 from 9.30am-12.30pm.