Priory School

21/08/2026

🏫A Warm Welcome from our New Principal

I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Principal of the school that has been such an important part of my life since January 2013.

Over the past 13 years, I have had the privilege of growing alongside this wonderful community, first as Head of English and Sixth Form, then as Head of Senior School for several years and, more recently, as Vice Principal. Throughout that time, I have been inspired every day by our delightful pupils, dedicated staff and supportive families. It has been a privilege to play a part in so many pupils' journeys, celebrating their successes and watching them flourish.

My career in education has spanned teaching English across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, leading teaching and learning, heading English and Communications, leading a large Sixth Form and working as a Quality Manager in curriculum development at an exam board. Alongside my role in school, I am also proud to serve as an ISI Team Inspector, which allows me to work with schools across the independent sector, sharing and learning from best practice.

Every step of my career has strengthened my belief that outstanding schools are built on strong relationships, high expectations, kindness and a genuine commitment to helping every young person achieve their potential.

As I begin this exciting new chapter as Principal, I do so with enormous pride, gratitude and a real sense of responsibility. I am honoured to lead a school that I care so deeply about and excited to work with our exceptional staff, pupils, parents and governors as we continue to build on our many strengths.

Here's to the next chapter.

New Principal - Mrs E J Soar BA (Hons) MA PGCE

20/08/2026

🧑‍🎓Celebrating outstanding GCSE results at Priory school today. We caught up with some of our students to ask, what are they most proud of and what’s next…..

20/08/2026

Outstanding GCSE Results at Priory School

Once again, we are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our pupils in this year’s GCSE results.

A remarkable 97% of pupils achieved grades 9 to 4, with a 100% pass rate across the cohort. One in three grades were at 9 to 7, the equivalent of the old A* to A grade.

These results are a reflection of the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by our pupils throughout their studies. As incoming Principal, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our pupils and staff for their exceptional efforts.

We are extremely proud of what they have achieved and wish every one of them continued success as they take the next steps in their education and future careers.

Well done to all our pupils, and a huge thank you to our dedicated staff for helping make these achievements possible.

Priory School consistently ranks as a top performer on the Isle of Wight for academic outcomes and we are incredibly proud to maintain that standard.

Mrs E J Soar BA (Hons) MA PGCE
Incoming Principal

Isle of Wight County Press Island Echo

19/08/2026

NEW: Osborne Bursaries

We are delighted to introduce, for September 2026, in line with our heritage as the school Queen Victoria built on the Osborne estate, OSBORNE BURSARIES for Reception and KS1, for ages 4-7.

High-quality education is becoming harder to access, especially with possible closures of primary schools on the island.

We believe access to education should not be beyond the reach of any family, so our bursaries set out to make that available for families.

➡️For more details and to apply, click here https://prioryschool.org.uk/bursaries

17/08/2026

In brilliant sunshine, Adlib Theatre Company IOW turned the Junior School playground into a showcase for the Terry Pratchett re-imaging of Macbeth: WYRD SISTERS.

It ran for three days, and the final performance on Sunday at 2pm brought out a festive spirit as playgoers brought food and picnics.

Congratulations to Adlib for turning the school grounds so successfully into an outdoor theatre, and many thanks to the PSPA who helped with refreshments.

We have had school performances in the grounds before, but this is the first time an external theatre company has performed.

It is so good to be able to host the island community in this way.

Photo credit: Michael Dunkason Photography

13/08/2026

A Level Results Day!

Joseph Ayres from Priory’s 6th Form has achieved his ambition of studying Law at his chosen University in September.

He is the latest in a long line of Priory students to go on to study Law at university, continuing a tradition of academic success.

Many congratulations Joe, and we wish you every success at university and the career that lies ahead.

03/08/2026

Who doesn't love building a den? Last term, George and Sean in Year 5 turned a corner of the playground into their own!

Play and creativity sit alongside outstanding academic foundations in our Junior School. Specialist teaching, small classes and individual attention for every child.

Come and visit us. We're open on weekdays throughout the summer holidays, 10am to 3pm,

Call 01983 861222 or email [email protected] to book your visit.
📍 prioryschool.org.uk

30/07/2026

Summer Theatre in Priory Grounds! Open to the public

Adlib Theatre Company IOW are back in the great outdoors this summer, in the grounds of Priory School of Our Lady of Walsingham in Whippingham, from August 14th – 16th with a production of Terry Pratchett’s beloved Wyrd Sisters.

Wyrd Sisters is a gloriously funny trip to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs.

With ghosts, kings, soldiers, strolling players, a dangerously guilty conscience and some spectacularly sharp one-liners from three opinionated Macbeth-inspired witches, Wyrd Sisters is a playful, fast-moving comedy about power, stories, destiny and the people who insist they are absolutely not interfering while very much interfering.

It is full of Pratchett’s trademark wit: clever, silly, warm-hearted and just a little bit sideways, with a hearty dose of Shakespearean references for good measure.

The performances are at 6:30pm on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th August, and at 2pm on Sunday 16th.

Ticket prices are frozen for the fourth year running - £10 for adults and £8 for students, available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ad-lib-theatre.

29/07/2026

Don't forget to pick up your copy of the Isle of Wight County Press this Friday for some fabulous Year 6 leavers' pictures.

What a brilliant photo they have chosen to feature 😉

Pick up your County Press this Friday for your Year 6 Leavers photos! 📷Priory School

26/07/2026

A fantastic achievement for Emma

Emma, who recently won first place and a cash prize, for a poem submitted to SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College), has now also been displayed at the Highland Games this summer.

But she has already shown her prowess as a poet with this poem, which was published in “Island Games, Island Voices” again in Scotland.

We were also delighted to see fellow Priorian Rachel Lambert's poem 'Island Child' featured among the published poets, a lovely reflection of the creative talent within the Priory community.

Shakespeare and poetry are very much Emma’s thing, so it seems especially fitting that a recent birthday treat took her to Shakespeare’s Globe in London, where she is pictured here in the Director’s Box.

Many congratulations, Emma, on your success so far. We look forward to seeing where your writing takes you next.

See here >> https://orkneymuseums.co.uk/island-games-arts-project/