How about a journey back to 1855? That’s when Roxeth Mead School first opened its doors. Roxeth Mead School has a rich history. It all began with Hebe Catherine Prior. She was a widow who needed to support her ten children. She bought Roxeth Mead House. It was a large Georgian house on Middle Road in Harrow on the Hill. There, she founded a small school.
Initially, the pupils at Roxeth Mead School were mainly her own children. The children of masters from Harrow School also attended. To this day, the school still counts Harrow masters’ children among its students. As Mrs. Prior grew older, four of her daughters took over the school’s management. Florence, known as Miss Flo, was the youngest. She retired in 1932. Miss Nicholson, known as Miss Nick, then took over. She remained head until her death, more than 30 years later.
Eleanor Elgood and Jean Vernon ran Roxeth Mead School for some years. In 1982, E. Averil Collins became head. She stayed in the role for 24 years. During her time, the school had to leave its home of 130 years. Harrow School stepped in to help. They provided temporary accommodation for three years. It was in their sixth form club.
A stroke of luck happened in 1992. A neighboring property, Buckholt House, came up for sale. Roxeth Mead School was able to purchase it. This is its present home at 25 Middle Road. Alison Isaacs became the new Head in 2006. Under her leadership, the school continued to thrive. It maintained traditions while embracing new developments.
In 2018, the school was sold to Suzanne Goodwin and her daughters, Sarah Mackintosh and Claire Blunt. This trio now runs Roxeth Mead School. Suzanne Goodwin has a long history in independent education. She ran The Hall School in Northwood for many years. Sarah Mackintosh has been a headteacher in Surrey schools for twenty years. Claire Blunt manages the financial aspects of Roxeth Mead. She is a successful CEO International.
The pandemic brought changes. In 2020, it became difficult to continue as a pre-prep school. Educating pupils up to age seven was no longer financially viable. The decision was made to focus solely on nursery education. Roxeth Mead School registered with Ofsted as a nursery school. Now, it cares for babies and children aged three months to five years. Roxeth Mead is now a top independent nursery for children aged zero to five. It decided to focus all its attention on nursery provision in September 2022.
Roxeth Mead School aims to maximize each pupil’s potential. This includes both personal and academic development. Being a small school helps them give each pupil the help they need. Roxeth Mead promotes principles and values. These facilitate the personal development of pupils. They become responsible and tolerant citizens. Good behavior is promoted and bullying is prevented here at Roxeth Mead School.