Our School's History

A Brief History

Whitegate Church of England Primary School is set in the picturesque Cheshire countryside. It is situated between the towns of Northwich and Winsford, both of which have historical links with the Cheshire Salt Industry.

There was a school in Whitegate certainly as far back as 1779. Indeed, there appear to have been two schools - one for boys, which is what is now part of the Mews, and a girls school in the building which became the Delamere Estate Office and later a private dwelling, October Lodge,  next to the school.

Whitegate School celebrated its centenary in 1986, or to be more precise the original Victorian building was one hundred years old.

In 2011 Whitegate School celebrated its hundred and twenty fifth anniversary (1886 - 2011). Mr Percival , headteacher, spoke during a special service about the honour and privilege of being one of fourteen head teachers who have led the school. The service was attended by Right Revd Keith Sinclair Bishop of Birkenhead, Graham Evans M.P., John Stephens, Deputy Director of Children’s Services, Jeff Turnbull, Diocese Director of Education, Rev. Lesley Eden Vicar, Cllr Lynda Jones, Mike Holland, Head Hartford High School, also present pupils, their families, past and present staff, together with members of the church and local community.

2026 brought celebrations marking 140 years. There were maypole dances, Victorian games and a special Victorian tea party. A special exhibition, in the school hall, displayed historical documents. A commemorative service at St Mary's Church, formed the heart of the day. Chris Penn, Diocesan Director of Education, and Sal Thirlway, Director of Education for the Local Authority, were among the guests. Others included, Andrew Cooper M.P., Cllr Gina Lewis, former headteacher Ian Percival, and Zena Pilippou assistant headteacher of Hartford CofE High School. Speaking about what makes the school special, Mrs Mackenzie, headteacher, said that it all comes down to the people and the love that is poured out from us all. She said: "I have been just a very small part of Whitegate's history, just one of the 15 headteachers to serve our amazing school. What is it that has sustained us? The same thing that sustains me - God's love that endures forever!"

Whitegate CE Primary School continues to be a vibrant, popular school today.

The photographs below show different aspects of our school and of St Mary's Church, Whitegate.

Headteachers of Whitegate School

1804 - Richard Wilkinson, Clerk

1873 - Mr. Douglas

1876 - R. Roberts

1881 - Thomas Simonson

1886 - re-opened as Whitegate Mixed School

Thomas Simonson

1887 - A.H.R. Balmforth

1891 - J.H.Bennet

1900 - Benjamin Dexter

1908 - Frederick Dexter

1911 - Forester Nickson

1932 - Amy Boughton

1935 - Miss M.P.Byron

1949 - Mr. Holding

1950 - Miss Sproson & Miss. Watson

1951 - Amy O'Neill

1977 - John Higginson

1993 - Ian Percival

2016 - Caroline Mackenzie

Files to Download