Decades before its formal establishment, whispers of a unique educational endeavor echoed through Isleworth. This brings us to Gumley House RC Convent School, FCJ. It stands as a testament to faith, education, and enduring legacy.
The story of Gumley House Convent School begins in 1841. Sisters of the Faithful Companions of Jesus arrived from France. They purchased Gumley House. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. The school’s origins trace back to a parochial charity school. It was the first of its kind in Isleworth.
Initially, Gumley House Convent School offered a “continental education”. French was the primary language spoken. This was because the Sisters were from France. Italian, German, and English were also taught. The convent was divided into two sections. One was a boarding school for upper-class girls. The other was a charity school for younger poor children. These children were from the local parish.
The nuns played a vital role. They helped found other Catholic schools in Isleworth. St Mary’s High School for older girls opened in 1890. In 1922, it became St Mary’s College. It was the first Catholic school in Middlesex recognized by the Board of Education. During World War II, pupils and staff evacuated. They later returned after the war.
The post-war period saw Gumley House transform. In 1959, it became a grammar school. Later, it transitioned to solely a secondary school. This happened when its primary section moved out in the late sixties. The primary school then became part of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Boarders were no longer accepted from 1968. New buildings were added in the 1970s. The campus expanded. Gumley House became a comprehensive school in 1976. This happened after the tripartite system was abolished. Sisters were headteachers until 2012.
The original Gumley House has its own rich history. John Gumley built it. He served as a cabinet maker to Kings George I and George II. The name Gumley may come from a French word. It could be “Gommele” or “Gautchmondley”. After John Gumley’s death, the house passed to his son. Anna Maria and her husband William Pulteney lived there. They hosted famous figures. These included poet Alexander Pope and future Prime Minister William Pitt. Eventually, the house was bought by Marie-Madeleine d’Houët. She was the founder of the FCJ. Today, Gumley House is a Grade II listed building.
Gumley House Convent School has a strong academic record. It received the Special Recognition Award by the SSAT in 2011. This recognized pupils’ achievement in GCSEs.
Notable former pupils include Princess Marguerite Adélaïde of Orléans and horticulturist Ellen Willmott. Also, Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, and actress Ellie Beaven.
Gumley House became an academy on 1 March 2012. Today, Gumley House Convent School continues its legacy. It provides education and guidance to young women. Its motto is “Vive Ut Vivas”. This means “Live that you may have life”. It encourages students to embrace life fully. Gumley House maintains links with Our Lady of Sorrows and St Bridget of Sweden Church.