How about a journey through time right here at The Mall School? This school has a rich history. It has evolved from its humble beginnings to a modern educational institution.
The Mall School was founded in 1872. It moved to its present site in 1909. Imagine the students who have walked these grounds. Think of the lessons they learned and the friendships they forged.
In 1960 a fire destroyed the original house. Only the old stable block remained. It temporarily housed the junior activity room and the art room. The school persevered despite this setback. Temporary accommodation was erected. It ensured that education continued without interruption.
Peter Waterfield became Headmaster in 1969. He added to the temporary buildings over the years. At that time the Headmaster owned the school buildings but not the land.
Mr. Waterfield approached retirement. He decided to hand over the school to an educational trust. This trust was established in 1986. A successful appeal raised over £200000. This secured the freehold of the land.
A major redevelopment program began in 1990. The Waterfield Building opened. It was a junior block comprising six classrooms. The Ellis Building opened in 1992. It was a matching senior block of nine classrooms.
The Hamblin Building was completed in September 1993. It included a kitchen dining room library and staffroom. The school celebrated its 125th anniversary. It was marked by the opening of the Thistlethwaite Building in 1997. This housed the Science and Music departments. It completed the inner quadrangle. Gary Lineker opened the indoor swimming pool in July 1999.
In December 2000 the Governors purchased The Old Vicarage. It is located at 84 Hampton Road. It was to house Reception and Year 1. The building opened for Reception classes in September 2002. Year 1 was added a year later.
A Creative and Performing Arts Centre was completed in September 2010. It provides space for drama art and design technology. Ex-England cricketer Angus Fraser opened a new sports hall in January 2014.
The science area to the rear of the Ellis building was redeveloped in August 2015. It became an outdoor classroom. In August 2016 the dining hall and kitchen were refurbished. A new outdoor area was completed at Mall Infants.
The school announced it was moving to 11+ in April 2017. The last cohort of 13+ boys left The Mall at the end of the summer term 2020. The Mall School is a charitable trust. It operates as a not-for-profit organization. A board of governors oversees the school’s management. They set the strategic vision.
The Mall is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools. It is regularly inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
In September 2022 the school’s nursery opened for children aged 6 months to 4 years. In September 2023 the school welcomed girls into the Reception class. It will become fully coeducational by 2029.
The Mall School also has a partnership with Chitsime School in Malawi since 2009. Pupils and staff have raised thousands of pounds. They provided brand new classrooms for Chitsime School.
Zac Goldsmith Alex Pettyfer and Crispian Mills are notable alumni. They once walked these halls. They started their journeys here at The Mall School. The Mall School has a story of resilience and progress. It is a place where young minds are nurtured and futures are shaped.