Perhaps surprisingly, Leytonstone School began as a school just for girls. Let’s step back in time to explore this school’s unique journey. Today Leytonstone School stands as a coeducational community secondary school. It is located on Colworth Road in Leytonstone.
Originally this was Leyton County High School for Girls. The buildings opened in 1911. Girls came from Elson House Girls High School and the mixed Leyton and Leytonstone high schools. The school was built on the site of Forest Farm. William Jacques ARIBA designed it in the Tudor style. He was the architect for the Leyton Urban District Council.
In 1968 the school changed. It became Leyton Senior High School for Girls. This was a comprehensive school for 14 to 18-year-old girls. Another change came in 1986. It became a mixed comprehensive school. That’s when its name changed to Leytonstone School. This change happened under a borough re-organisation of schools.
Leytonstone School achieved Business and Enterprise specialist status in 2007. In 2008 it retained this specialism. It also gained another specialism Leadership Partners in 2009. The school was also designated an HPSS a high performing specialist school.
As of the last Ofsted inspection in 2021 the school had 971 students. Leytonstone School continues to serve its community offering education to students aged 11 to 16. Julian Onyelekere is the current headteacher.
Two notable alumni of Leyton County High School for Girls include Sonita Alleyne and Dame Sharon Michele White. Sonita Alleyne is co-founder and former CEO of Somethin’ Else a media production company. She is also Master of Jesus College Cambridge. She is the first black master of any Oxbridge college. Dame Sharon Michele White is Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership. She is also the former Chief Executive of the British media regulator Ofcom.
Leytonstone School has a rich history. It has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of its students and community. From its origins as a girls’ grammar school to its current status as a mixed comprehensive school. Leytonstone School has remained a vital part of Leytonstone.