Think of the Latin inscription “Semper Magis”. It means “Always More”. This motto encapsulates the spirit of Donhead Preparatory School.
Donhead Preparatory School stands here in Wimbledon. It is more than just a school. It’s a place where young minds grow. It is a place where character is formed. Donhead is a mixed private day school for boys and girls aged 4 to 11.
The school’s history dates back to 1933. But the story of this site goes back further. The name “Donhead” comes from Anglo-Saxon words. “Don” means hill and “head” means top. So Donhead means “the top of the hill”. Before the school, a barrister named Mr Oliver Haynes lived here. Then Mary Arnold owned it. Until 1902, she ran a school for ladies.
In 1932, Henry Small gave the property to the Jesuits after his wife passed away. Fr Miller was the first headmaster. Donhead started with three classes. These were Elements, Preparatory, and Lower Preparatory. There were about 67 boys in total.
In the late 1980s, changes happened. Merton Council closed middle schools. Students then went to Wimbledon College at age 11 instead of 13. Donhead then started admitting younger pupils. This ensured they stayed at Donhead for the same number of years.
Donhead follows Jesuit traditions. Students use the Latin inscriptions AMDG and LDS. AMDG means “For the greater glory of God.” LDS means “Praise God Always.” They use these before and after their work. Years are named from the Jesuit Ratio Studiorum. Year 3 is Lower Prep 1. Year 4 is Lower Prep 2. Year 5 is Prep. Year 6 is Elements.
Donhead has seen recent improvements. In 2011, the school’s Rugby Union Under 11A team were national champions. They beat Blundell’s in the final. In September 2018, a ten-year facilities plan finished. It cost £8 million. A new chapel was built. It holds 50 pupils. Donhead more than doubled in size between 2006 and 2016.
The Old Wimbledonians Association connects former students. It includes old boys from both Wimbledon College and Donhead Preparatory School. Several notable people attended Donhead. These include actor Tom Holland and Bishop Nicholas Hudson.
Donhead has had many headmasters. Fr Edmund Millar was the first. Ms Catherine Hitchcock is the current headteacher. Donhead Preparatory School continues to honour, care for, and believe in its children.