Remembering parental devotion. That’s what Pietas Parentum means. It’s the motto of St Edward’s School.
St Edward’s School also known as Teddies is a public school here in Oxford. It stands as a testament to tradition and academic excellence. But there is more to Teddies than meets the eye. Let’s explore its story.
Founded in 1863 by Reverend Thomas Chamberlain St Edward’s School began in Mackworth Hall. Chamberlain was a student of Christ Church and vicar of St Thomas the Martyr. He named the school after St Edward the Martyr. This King of England reigned from 975 to 978.
In 1873 the school moved to Summertown. A storm had damaged the original buildings. Also the school anticipated growth. A B Simeon the first Warden bought a large plot of land. The school still occupies this 100-acre site today.
Simeon envisioned an independent school. He wanted monastic-style buildings around a quadrangle. William Wilkinson designed the original buildings. The chapel built in 1876 is Wilkinson’s most significant work at St Edward’s.
During the Second World War air raid shelters were dug into the Quad. The RAF presented the school a stained glass window. It recognized the contribution of former pupils to the war effort. Notable alumni include Guy Gibson of 617 Squadron who led The Dambusters. Also Douglas Bader a flying ace and Adrian Warburton known for his role in the defense of Malta.
Pacifist sentiments in the 1970s and 1980s led to the window’s relocation. It has since been moved again. You can now find it in the warden’s dining room. St Edward’s also has a scholarship fund. It assists pupils whose parents are in the armed forces.
St Edward’s became co-educational in 1997. The sixth form had become co-educational in 1982.
In 2016 St Edward’s announced a new building project. This completed the school’s main Quad in 2020. Nick Hardy of TSH Architects designed the new development. It includes a Library a university-style academic center and a hall for 1000 people.
The North Wall Arts Centre opened in 2007. It stands on the site of the old school swimming pool. That pool was the oldest in the country. Ria Parry runs The North Wall Arts Centre as a producing theatre. The North Wall Arts Centre has won several architectural awards including a RIBA award.
John Pawson designed The Martyrs Pavilion. It opened in 2009. The Oxford Preservation Trust awarded it in 2010.
St Edward’s School offers a wide range of sports. Boys can play rowing rugby hockey cricket and football. Girls can play rowing cricket hockey football netball and tennis. The school has over 90 acres of playing fields.
The St Edward’s School Boat Club has excelled in rowing. They have won The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta five times. This is more than any other British school except Eton College and St Paul’s School London.
There are thirteen houses. Each houses around 60 to 70 students. A housemaster or housemistress runs each house. They live within the house with their family. House tutors supervise homework and tutor students. A matron looks after the pupils’ medical and social needs. About 85% of pupils board at St Edward’s. Day pupils are integrated into the boarding house system.
St Edward’s School has a diverse student body. Seventeen percent of pupils are international. They come from 41 different countries. An Overseas Parents’ Group facilitates communication.
From its humble beginnings to its current status St Edward’s School has evolved. It embraces tradition while fostering innovation. The school’s commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. It shapes the lives of its students. It prepares them to make a meaningful impact on the world.