Beneath the sky of Enfield Town stands Enfield Grammar School. Founded in 1558, the school has a rich history. It stands as a boys’ comprehensive school and sixth form with academy status.
Enfield Grammar School started with a charitable endowment. This endowment supported an earlier chantry-school. Before 1524, a schoolmaster existed in Enfield. In 1572, an older school-house stood east of the churchyard. It likely housed the grammar school. In the 1580s, the Tudor building arose, sometimes called the Old Hall. The parish bought grounds next to Prounces house in 1516. John Prouns originally occupied it in 1399. The Tudor school building is still in use today.
In 1547, the Crown gained rights to the charitable property. This followed the dissolution of the chantries. In 1550, the property was restored after a challenge. Queen Mary relinquished all claims in 1553. In 1558, an attempt was made to endow a school with the Poynetts estate. A trustee died before the deed was executed. The second deed granted only £6 13s. 4d. This covered the former chantry priest’s salary. The remainder aided the poor.
From 1558, a schoolmaster taught Enfield’s poor children. They learned Latin and English. William Garrett left £50 in 1586. It was to build a schoolhouse. This money likely erected the Tudor building. It stands west of St. Andrew’s Church.
Prounces house became the schoolmaster’s residence in 1623. This occurred when the Prounces estate property was settled in trust. Headmaster Robert Uvedale opened a rival private boarding-school around 1660. It was called the Palace School. He continued his post at Enfield Grammar School. The Palace School lasted until 1896.
In 1967, Enfield Grammar School merged with Chace Boys School. They formed a comprehensive school. The name Enfield Grammar School was retained. The two schools separated again in 1970. Chace Boys School became co-educational. It changed its name to Chace Community School.
2023 marked a change. The school began accepting female applications for its 6th form. This was the first time in the school’s 500-year history.
Enfield Grammar School’s upper school buildings are next to Enfield Town Market Place and St. Andrew’s Church. They have been extended since 1586. A new hall and further extensions finished shortly before World War II.
Enfield Town held historical significance. It was near Edward VI’s palace. Elizabeth I lived there as a princess. Edward Seymour announced Henry VIII’s death there. Elizabeth later held court there as queen. Palace Gardens shopping centre recalls this history. In 1924, Enfield Court in Baker Street was purchased. It accommodated the lower school.
The school motto is “Tant Que Je Puis.” This Old French phrase means “As much as I can.” It comes from the Uvedale family. Dr. Robert Uvedale was master from 1664 to 1676.
Enfield Grammar School admits 180 boys a year. Admission is through the Local Authority. It is not selective. Up to 18 pupils are admitted under Sport & Music Scholarships. Sixth Form admission is separate. It accepts up to 140 students a year. This is based on GCSE results.
Notable alumni include Jim Crace, the prize-winning novelist. Also, Michael Duberry, the footballer, and Vernon Handley, the conductor. William Pratt, better known as Boris Karloff also attended the school.
Enfield Grammar School stands proud. Its history echoes through its halls. Its motto inspires students to strive. The school continues to evolve. It prepares young men for the future.