What story does this building hold? Halliford School stands before us. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place brimming with history and ambition.
Halliford School is a selective boys’ private day school. Interestingly, it admits girls into its sixth form. It is located in Lower Halliford, Shepperton, Surrey. The school’s grounds border Spelthorne. This provides easy access from London and major motorways.
Halliford School has a rich past. The oldest building on the grounds is a tall Georgian house. It once housed Emma Hart. She later became Lady Hamilton and Lord Nelson’s mistress. She lived here with Charles Francis Greville.
Since 2000, Halliford School has expanded. New buildings include a professional theatre. A separate dining hall has also been added. There is also an arts and technology building. A sixth form center with a library was built too. The school added a multi-purpose sports hall. It also added a separate gymnasium and climbing wall. A fourth house was added during this time. Additional sports fields were purchased.
Sports are important at Halliford School. Students play rugby and cricket. They also play basketball at high levels. Many alumni play for university or local teams. They compete in rugby, cricket, and football. Badminton, rowing, athletics and golf are also popular. The school offers a broad extra-curricular program. There are frequent overseas trips for academics. Charity projects and sports are included.
Halliford School offers a broad curriculum in early years. Students gain a foundation of basic skills. At GCSE level, students study core subjects. These include English language and literature. Mathematics and the three sciences are also studied. Students also learn a modern language and ICT. AS and A-level courses are offered in 25 subjects. These include arts, languages, technologies, and sciences. Boys are encouraged to continue to university.
Halliford School boasts numerous clubs and societies. There is a current affairs circle. A reading circle encourages creative writing. A stage production technicians’ group exists too. Students lead competitions and performances. These include investment trading, theatre, and music. External speakers give talks.
The school badge has a symbolic design. It was designed in 1986. The blue chevron represents the Halliford Bend in the River Thames. The gold bar represents the Holy Ford. The two gold crosses come from St Nicholas Church in Shepperton. The Latin inscription VADUM SANCTUM means “Holy Ford”. The crest depicts a Holy Lamb. The motto VIA FIRMA AD FIRMIORA means “A Firm Path To Firmer Things.” The school aims to guide pupils to firmer ground.
Halliford School is divided into four houses. These are Wadham, Russell, Greville, and Desborough. The house colors are red, green, blue, and gold. These colors appear on school ties. They are also on inter-house sports kits.
Alumni are known as Old Hallifordians. The Old Hallifordian Society connects former pupils. It strengthens ties between alumni and the school. Notable alumni include actor Mark Lester. Olympic gold medalist Stephen Trapmore also attended Halliford. Olympians Toby Penty and James Woodgate are also alumni.
Halliford School focuses on supporting pupils. This includes those with learning difficulties. It also supports high achievers. Students’ achievements and learning quality are good.
Halliford School is more than just a school. It is a community. It fosters growth. It prepares students for success. Halliford School provides a firm path to firmer things.