Perhaps the stones of Bishopshalt School could talk. They might tell tales of bishops and students alike. Bishopshalt School stands as a beacon of education in the London Borough of Hillingdon. It is located on Royal Lane.
Bishopshalt School’s story began long before its current name. The site has a history stretching back centuries. For 500 years the Bishops of Worcester used the grounds. They rested here on their journeys to and from London. This is where the name Bishopshalt comes from. It means “Bishops halt”.
The school’s current building dates back to 1858. John Jackson built it as a private house. He was a partner in George Jackson Sons. His company specialized in plasterwork. The house boasted a conservatory with a cast-iron frame. This conservatory has been recently restored.
In 1907, the school was first established as Uxbridge County School. It was located in The Greenway. Architect H. G. Crothall designed it. The Middlesex Education Committee purchased the Royal Lane site in 1925 for £6900. In 1928, the school moved to this location. Sir John Reith officially opened it on October 6. He was the Director-General of the BBC.
Walter Wilks Sawtell served as headmaster from 1907 to 1929. He oversaw the school’s move. In 1930, the school was renamed Bishopshalt School. This was to reflect its location outside of Uxbridge.
Imagine a Cierva C.19 Mk.3 Autogiro landing on the school field in July 1931. Reginald A.C. Brie piloted it. He was a former pupil.
During the Second World War, Bishopshalt School played a role in the war effort. It hosted rallies and inspections for the local Girls Training Corps. In 1969, the school’s air raid shelters were removed. They were replaced with a car park. The shelters stood since 1939 due to Cold War fears.
The London Borough of Hillingdon held council meetings in the school hall. This happened while the Civic Centre in Uxbridge was under construction. In 1977, Bishopshalt transitioned from a grammar school to a comprehensive.
Bishopshalt School has graced the screen. Episodes of Jeeves and Wooster were filmed here. The school also appeared in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. The BBC comedy Big School also filmed here.
Today, Liam McGillicuddy is the headmaster since September 2019. Bishopshalt School specializes in music and the performing arts. The school motto is Fidelis. It means faithful. Bishopshalt also has a dramatic society. It is named Bishopshalt Operatic and Dramatic Society or BODS.
The front wooded area of Bishopshalt School is known as The Wilderness. Bishopshalt has six houses. They are named after bishops that rested at the old mansion. The houses are Cranmer, De Salis, Evesham, Manor, Stanley and Worcester.
Bishopshalt School is more than just a school. It is a place of history and growth. Its walls echo with stories of the past. Its classrooms prepare students for the future.