More Than Just An Education

"The Shrubbery School was founded in 1930 and over 90 years later our most important legacy continues to be  the many happy children who have discovered a love for learning as part of our family. 

Within our School we pride ourselves on allowing each child to flourish. We firmly believe that every single child has the ability to succeed and our sole purpose is to furnish our children with the tools they need to do so.

We aim to provide a first-class education, striving for excellence in all academic and extra curricular activities, giving every child the confidence they need to discover where their gifts lie. Our children's physical and mental wellbeing is at the core of everything we do.

I feel an enormous sense of privilege in having the opportunity to lead The Shrubbery, and our children, into the future, and as our children tell us, the future is an incredibly exciting place to be!"

If you are thinking of applying for your child to join our school and nursery, or would like further information, please contact us via the "Request A School Visit" option on our website.

Amanda Lees Head Teacher

Our History

The Shrubbery School is the oldest co-educational independent school in Sutton Coldfield.

The School house itself dates back to 1857 originally one house built on land previously owned by Penns Hall , in 1881 two wings were added and the house was converted to two semi-detached homes, ‘The Ferns’ and ‘The Shrubbery’. 

The Walker family lived at ‘The Shrubbery’ until the Rankin family moved in during 1914 when Walmley was a very small village consisting of a few houses and ‘The Fox Inn’.

In the 1920’s a small school was run by Mrs L J Moore from ‘The Ferns’ and this gave Janice Rankin the inspiration to become a teacher.  When Mrs Moore’s school closed next door in 1930, The Rankin family opened their school at ‘The Shrubbery’ beginning with one pupil Eileen King.

The School originally consisted of a classroom in the now listed school house.  Initially with the help of her mother, Miss Rankin built up the school remaining in charge until the late 1990’s.  As the school grew, the Rankin family bought ‘The Ferns’ next door and the school house remained the home of the Rankin family, we have a fantastic picture of a young Miss Rankin and her brother playing croquet on lawns that are now the Junior playground!

As the school grew, Miss Rankin added more buildings and the land behind the house changed dramatically.  Further classrooms and a playing field lie behind the house now playing host to the education of nearly 250 children between the ages of three and eleven. 

At The Shrubbery School we take our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain very seriously. We ensure that the fundamental British Values of mutual respect, understanding and tolerance for those with different cultures, faiths or beliefs; democracy, rule of law and respect for self and others are introduced, discussed and lived out through our ethos which underpins the work of the school.

Our pupils embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application in their own lives. The school strives to provide opportunities such as sporting events, assemblies, trips, speaker visits and diverse celebrations to strengthen their understanding of these fundamental British Values. We feel confident that we give our pupils the foundations for living a life of tolerance, understanding and the enthusiasm to celebrate diversity.