Russell House School

Eighty years ago, a seed of resilience was planted in Kemsing. This seed blossomed into Russell House School. Russell House School first opened its doors in 1938. It was a family home then. Mrs. Nellie Baker founded the school after her husband, Russell, passed away. She started with just eight children. Seven boys and one girl. During World War II, Russell House became a haven for evacuees. The school’s numbers grew. The children even had drills for doodlebug attacks. The cook would yell a warning. The children would scramble to safety. Thankfully, the building was never hit. The school outgrew its Kemsing home in 1947. With the help of a local doctor, Russell House moved to its current location in Otford. It stands proudly across from the station. Over fifty children filled its classrooms by then. Mrs. Baker retired in 1969. Mrs. Burrows then took the helm. In 1984, Elisabeth Lindsay became headmistress. She expanded the facilities and grew the student body to around 200. Russell House earned a strong academic and musical reputation under her leadership. But the warm, family atmosphere remained. The Lindsay family still owns the school. They are dedicated to preserving its unique ethos. Three family members even serve as governors. Alison Cooke became Head in 2005. She continued the tradition of excellence and cultural education. Craig McCarthy took over as Headmaster in 2012. He has modernized the school, enhancing its facilities and curriculum. Russell House School still feels like a family. It has that approachable atmosphere of its early days. But it now boasts modern facilities and equipment, a far cry from the original house in Kemsing. A former pupil who started in 1951 remembers the tennis court, the vegetable garden, and even the school lunches. Roast beef with beetroot on Mondays. Now, Russell House thrives. It has an impressive history. It is ready for a bright future.