Founded in 1885, Channing School has a rich history. Miss Emily and Matilda Sharpe, along with Reverend Robert Spears, established it. Their vision was to provide a first-class education for daughters of Unitarian ministers. This education would prepare them for university and the responsibilities of home life.
The founders named Channing School after William Ellery Channing. He was a leading Unitarian theologian. From the start, the school offered a broad and ambitious curriculum. Miss Matilda often invited distinguished visitors to speak to the students. Marconi, for example, visited the school. Soon, Channing School gained recognition as an institution of high standards.
Initially called Channing House, the school opened in Sutherland House. The Misses Sharpe, daughters of Samuel Sharpe, provided the endowment. Assistance was available for six pupils through private benefactions. After one year, the student body grew to about 90 pupils. By 1925, it had reached about 125.
In 1885, Ivy House was leased for dormitories and offices. The school also leased West View, a semi-detached house below Sutherland House. In 1901, West View was purchased. Slingley, the other half of the semi-detached property, was bought in 1921. Hampden House was acquired in 1925. Arundel House, adjacent to Hampden House, was added in 1930. Fairseat, with two acres of land, was leased from 1926. A hall opened in 1927. From 1931, the school became simply known as Channing School.
Channing School faced significant damage during World War II. A parachute mine struck the building. During the war, Robert Mortimer Montgomery oversaw the school’s temporary relocation. The school moved to the West Country. In 1954, Haigh House was built. It replaced the buildings damaged during the war. In 1943, a junior school opened at 12 Southwood Lane. It was sold in 1955. The junior school then moved to Fairseat. The school had 250 girls in 1950. By 1975, the number increased to 390. Today, Channing School educates around 1000 girls.
The Junior School is also known as Fairseat. It was once the home of Sir Sydney Waterlow, 1st Baronet. He donated the adjacent park to the public. A statue of him stands in the park. The statue depicts him holding a key. This key symbolizes the key to the park, which he is offering to the public.
The Senior School consists of four buildings: Brunner House, Haigh House, Founders Hall, and a complex completed in 2015. This complex houses a Sixth Form Centre and a Sports Hall with a Fitness Suite. Founders Hall, originally the Old Hall, reopened in 2008. Renovations split the hall into two floors. This extended the Sixth Form Centre. In 2014, Founders Hall was renovated again. It became a Music School with soundproofed practice rooms, a studio, and teaching rooms. An upper floor was added to Brunner House in 2003. Haigh House contains the Science, Art, Mathematics, and ICT departments. A performing arts center, seating 300, was completed in 2017.
Channing Junior School’s grounds are part of Sir Sydney Waterlow’s park. The school also has a cottage, a chicken coop, an adventure playground, and tennis courts. Channing also owns a large expanse of grass on Stanhope Road. Summer sports are played here. The Channing Fireworks are also held on this field.
Channing School has produced many notable alumni. These include journalist Susie Boyt and businesswoman Carly Fiorina. Actress Hatty Jones, known for her role in Madeline, also attended Channing. Princess Sarvath El Hassan of Jordan is another notable alumna.
Girls are placed in four houses: Sharpe, Spears, Waterlow, and Goodwin. Sharpe is named after the school’s co-founders. Spears is named after Reverend Robert Spears. Waterlow is named after Sir Sydney Waterlow. Goodwin is named after a prominent Highgate family. Girls participate in activities within these houses.
Channing School continues to uphold its founders’ vision. It provides a nurturing environment. It prepares young women for success in all areas of life.