Imagine boys aged 4 to 13 finding their talents here. This is Rokeby School. It stands as an independent, all-boys preparatory day school in Kingston upon Thames. Rokeby School offers a rich education. It spans from pre-preparatory to preparatory levels.
Rokeby School’s story began in Wimbledon in 1877. Charles Olive, an Oxford graduate, founded it. The school started small. Its first term saw no pupils. But by the end of the year, 15 boys were attending. Rokeby School quickly grew. It moved to a larger location in 1879.
In 1892 Rokeby School became a founding member. It joined the Association of Preparatory Schools. This organization later became the IAPS. The school thrived for many years.
However in 1965, the school faced closure. Parents stepped in to save it. The Rokeby Educational Trust Limited was formed in 1966. The trust established a successor school. It is on the current site in George Road, Kingston. The George Road building was once part of the Galsworthy family estate. John Galsworthy wrote The Forsyte Saga. Rokeby School invested significantly in its facilities. There was major conversion work in the main house. A hall and science block were added. The pre-prep accommodation was rebuilt in the 1990s. An art wing and music facilities followed. The library, dining room, and offices were refurbished. IT capabilities were also enhanced. In 2013 a new Lower School Building opened. HRH Princess Alexandra officially opened it.
For sports Rokeby School long relied on hired facilities. After searching for nearly 10 years, the school bought its own sports fields in Worcester Park in 2003. A new pavilion was built there.
Jason Peck became headmaster in 2007. He introduced a new motto. It is Smart, Skilful and Kind. Previously, the motto was a Latin phrase from Cicero. It meant the rival of pursuits and labours. Rokeby School has four houses. They are Bazelgette, Galsworthy, Moody, and Olive.
Peter Wicker, a former headmaster, wrote a book. It is about Rokeby School’s first 125 years. It was published in 2009. The school fees vary. It depends on the year group.
Rokeby School has had many notable alumni. They include Ian Willoughby Bazalgette. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Robert Graves, the novelist and poet, also attended Rokeby. Sir Max Mallowan, an archaeologist and Agatha Christie’s husband, was a student. He praised Rokeby’s education in his memoirs.
Rokeby School was captured in a drawing. Alfred Parsons created it. The drawing is called White Lilies. Hugo Cole wrote a children’s opera for the school. It is named The Asses’ Ears. Rokeby continues to provide an excellent education. It prepares boys for future success.