Gazing upon Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School one might not immediately grasp its incredible history. This school stands as a testament to Thomas Tenison’s vision. He was the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School began in 1714. Tenison founded it for ten poor boys and ten poor girls in North End Croydon. Imagine a time when educating boys and girls together was a radical idea. Archbishop Tenison’s school is thought to be the oldest continuously mixed-sex school in the world.
The school has moved three times throughout its long history. Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School even relocated during World War II to escape the Blitz. It found temporary refuge in Craigmore Hall near Crowborough. After the war the school returned to Croydon.
Today Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School occupies a site established in 1959 in Park Hill. It is a short walk from East Croydon station. Over the years the school has expanded. A Sixth Form Centre an Art block and Geography and Technology Centres have been added.
Founder’s Day is a special tradition at Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School. Every year the entire school gathers to celebrate its founding. They honor Thomas Tenison and the achievements of the past year.
Pupils are divided into houses named after famous Archbishops of Canterbury. These houses create a sense of community. Students compete for the House Points Cup and the Inter-House Cup.
Although Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School lacks on-site grass playing fields it uses nearby Lloyd Park and Coombe Lodge for sports. In 2002 an all-weather surface was opened. It enables the provision of tennis basketball netball and five-a-side football.
The Sixth Form at Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School was established jointly with St Andrew’s High School in 1978. It resides on Tenison’s premises.
Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School has a motto Tenaciter. It represents academic excellence for each person in a Christian community. The school gives students a strong academic foundation and a secure Christian context. This allows them to contribute well to society. Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School stands as a beacon of education and community.