How about a school that transformed from a technical college to a modern academy? That is Ravens Wood School. Let’s explore its history.
Ravens Wood School started as Beckenham Technical School. In January 1958, it moved to Oakley Road. The school was inaugurated as Bromley Technical High School for Boys on October 13, 1960. Lt.-Col. Lord Dudley Gordon did the honors. The new location provided larger playing fields and better facilities.
In the autumn of 1968, the school became Ravens Wood School for Boys. Later it became non-selective. Ravens Wood School was granted Grant Maintained Status in January 1992. By 1994, it was one of the first Specialist Technology Colleges. Girls were admitted into the Sixth Form in September 1997. In September 1999, the school’s name changed to Ravens Wood School. This reflected its co-educational status.
Ravens Wood School boasts some famous alumni. These include David Bowie, Peter Frampton, and Hanif Kureishi. Also John Pienaar, Tom Solesbury, and James Alaka attended Ravens Wood School.
David Bowie attended when it was Bromley Technical High School. It was after he failed his eleven plus exam. The school was rich in tradition. There were houses named after statesmen. A uniform was required. Languages, science, and design were emphasized. Owen Frampton encouraged arts. He inspired his son Peter Frampton to pursue music with David Bowie.
The school’s enrollment has grown significantly. It rose from 800 in the 1980s to over 1600 today. Year 7 intake increased from 154 in the early 1990s to 224.
Ravens Wood School is an academy. It specializes in Design Technology and Information Technology. It became an academy on April 1, 2011. Ravens Wood School is part of the Impact Multi Academy Trust. The school’s motto is “Committed to Excellence and Innovation”.
Ravens Wood School has excelled in sports. In May 2007, the Year 10 football squad won the English Schools’ Football Association Under 15 Schools’ Cup. The Under 18 Rugby Academy reached the Daily Mail Vase Final in April 2012. In April 2014, the Year 8 team won the English Schools Football Association Under 13 Schools Cup.
The RWS Football and Rugby academies are for Sixth Form students. The Football Academy partners with Fulham FC. Students gain access to their training facilities and coaches.
Ravens Wood School has also achieved success in drama. It won the Southern Premier league of the Rock Challenge three years in a row. This happened in 2008, 2009, and 2010. The school came in second in the Rock Challenge National Final in 2009. It is believed to be the first all-boys school to win the contemporary dance drama title.
The Ravens Wood Music Academy was established in September 2011. Admission is by audition only. ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent is required.
Ravens Wood School has a rich history and a bright future. It continues to evolve and provide opportunities for its students. A place of technical beginnings, Ravens Wood School now fosters excellence in all fields.