Yarrells School celebrates a century of family, care and continuity

Yarrells School expands early years provision as it approaches 100-year milestone

A Dorset preparatory school with roots dating back nearly a century is marking a major new chapter, as it expands its early years provision while preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Yarrells School in Upton, Poole will welcome babies from just six months old from April 2026—ten years after opening its purpose-built Greenwood Nursery—continuing its long-standing commitment to supporting families from the very start of a child’s educational journey.

Founded in 1927 as St Monica’s School in Deal, Kent by Miss M. E. Clark, the school relocated to Poole in 1940 and has remained a constant presence in the local community ever since. Through decades of change, its focus has remained the same: providing a nurturing, individual approach to education.

That continuity has been carefully preserved. From the stewardship of Miss Jeanes and Mrs Badham in the mid-20th century, to the arrival of Mrs Natalie Covell in 1989, Yarrells has been shaped by those with a deep personal investment in its future.

When Anthony and Natalie Covell became proprietors in 1992, they established a truly family-run model that continues today. Following Anthony’s death in 2004, Mrs Natalie Covell continued to lead the school, supported now by her sons, Mr Adam Covell and Mr Crispian Covell, who both serve as Directors.

“Yarrells has always been about family in every sense,” said Mrs Natalie Covell. “It is about the children, of course, but also the families who entrust us with their care, and the staff who become part of that journey. To see the school continue to grow while holding on to those values means a great deal to all of us.”

The school’s name reflects that philosophy. Inspired by the 19th-century naturalist William Yarrell, it was chosen to represent curiosity, respect for the natural world, and a belief that education should extend far beyond the classroom.

Over the years, Yarrells has evolved thoughtfully to meet the needs of modern education. In 2000, the Millennium Building, designed by architect Adam Covell, was opened, providing modern classrooms alongside a science laboratory, music room, and the school hall, Swan. The development replaced the original stable buildings, marking a significant step forward in the school’s facilities.

In 2016, Greenwood Nursery was opened as a purpose-built early years setting, also designed by Adam Covell of ECA Architects. Carefully integrated within the school’s grounds and surrounding trees, it reflects the school’s connection to its natural environment.

Now, with the introduction of places for babies from six months, Yarrells is extending that provision even further, offering a continuous pathway for families from infancy through to the end of prep school.

At the heart of the school today is Headmistress Mrs Clare Cunningham, who has been part of the Yarrells community for over 20 years, previously serving as Deputy Head and SENCO. Her connection to the school is also personal—her children, Evie (25) and Louis (21), both attended from Nursery through to the end of their prep school years.

“As a family, Yarrells has always meant more than just a school to us,” she said. “It is a place where children are truly known and nurtured, and where families become part of something lasting. Having seen my own children grow up here, I feel incredibly proud to lead a school with such a strong sense of care, continuity and community.”

In 2024, the school community celebrated Mrs Covell’s 80th birthday with a tree-planting event, symbolising both its deep roots and its continued growth.

As it approaches its centenary, Yarrells remains committed to balancing heritage with progress—ensuring that while facilities evolve and new opportunities emerge, its core values remain unchanged.