Standing before St Saviour’s and St Olave’s Church of England School, one might wonder what stories these walls hold. St Saviour’s and St Olave’s is not just any school. It is a place steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1903, the school emerged from a need for equal education for girls. The Charity Commissioners recognized this need. They ensured girls had the same opportunities as boys. Before St Saviour’s and St Olave’s, St Olave’s Grammar School educated boys. The new school aimed to complement this.
The school’s origins are tied to the St Olave’s and St Saviour’s Schools Foundation. This foundation benefits from The Dulwich Estate. Lord Llangattock provided the land for the school on New Kent Road. St Saviour’s and St Olave’s combined two smaller parish schools. These were St Thomas and St John’s girls’ schools.
Originally a grammar school, St Saviour’s and St Olave’s changed during the Inner London Education Authority reorganisation in the 1960s. A new chapel was consecrated in 1999. This chapel serves as a spiritual heart for the school. In 2001, the school gained national attention. Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the General Election during a visit to St Saviour’s and St Olave’s. To celebrate its centenary in 2003, Queen Elizabeth II visited the school. She unveiled a commemorative piece of public art. This art symbolizes the school’s motto: Heirs of the Past, Children of the Present, Makers of the Future.
St Saviour’s and St Olave’s remains a voluntary aided Church of England school. The Dyers’ Company has played a significant role in supporting the school. Since 1997, the Dyers have been closely associated with St Saviour’s and St Olave’s. They also supported Boutcher Primary School. The Dyers funded the altar and stained-glass window for the school chapel. A member of the Dyers’ Court serves on the Governing Body. Another member mentors senior staff. The Dyers have also provided bursaries for sixth form students. These bursaries help girls continue their education. Further bursaries support former pupils in university. The school is proud of its students’ academic achievements. Many have secured offers at Oxbridge.
The Dyers have supported various projects at St Saviour’s and St Olave’s. These include providing laptops for senior girls and funding a new minibus. They have also supported school trips and drama productions. St Saviour’s and St Olave’s is an inclusive multi-cultural school. It welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. The school offers many extra-curricular activities. These include Mandarin, drama, basketball, and rowing.
St Saviour’s and St Olave’s has produced many notable alumnae. These include actresses Liz Fraser, Kathleen Harrison, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Novelist Deborah Levy and actress Susie Wokoma also attended the school. As we stand here today, it’s clear that St Saviour’s and St Olave’s Church of England School is more than just a school. It is a community. It is a place where girls are empowered to become the heirs of the past, the children of the present, and the makers of the future.