Archbishop Tenison’s School

How many schools can boast an association with a sporting venue as famous as The Oval? Archbishop Tenison’s School, situated directly opposite this historic cricket ground, certainly can. Archbishop Tenison’s School enjoys a unique connection to the world of cricket. This bond is more than just geographical proximity. Imagine students getting the chance to train and play at The Oval, a dream for any budding cricketer! In fact, on match days, you might even spot television cameras perched on the school’s roof, capturing the cricketing action. The school we see today, a vibrant institution for 11-16 year olds, has a fascinating history dating back to 1685. It was founded by Thomas Tenison, an “educational evangelist” who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury. The school has undergone its share of transformations, from a boys’ school to a grammar school and finally to the co-educational comprehensive it is today. Through all these changes, its commitment to providing quality education, rooted in the Anglican tradition, has remained constant. Look for the school’s badge, a fascinating emblem with a red field, a white diagonal band with scalloped edges, and a narrower blue band running down its center. This striking design lies between three gold heraldic lion’s faces, each pierced by a fleur-de-lys entering through the mouth. This distinctive badge, based on Archbishop Tenison’s personal coat of arms, is a testament to the school’s rich heritage and its enduring legacy.