Sunbury Manor School

Did you know that Sunbury Manor School is home to a unique connection to Wimbledon? For over a decade, students from this school have been representing it as ball boys and girls at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships. Every year, from January to June, pupils in Year 10 embark on a rigorous selection process, followed by intensive training, both within the school and at the Wimbledon Tennis Club itself. Only the most dedicated and skilled students get the opportunity to participate. Being a ball boy or girl at Wimbledon is a highly sought-after experience, requiring unwavering focus and dedication from its young members. The bright green ball boys and girls in their iconic white shirts have become synonymous with the Wimbledon Championships, and Sunbury Manor School plays an important role in nurturing this tradition.
Sunbury Manor School, located in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, is a secondary academy school that has a fascinating history. It’s much more than just a school; it’s a place that traces back to a Victorian orphanage. This site, once home to a large house called Mount Pleasant, was purchased by the Good Templars and Temperance Orphanage in 1881. This orphanage catered to the children of alcohol abstainers, providing them with an education and a supportive environment. The site, known as Marion Park since 1894, was particularly notable for its long, rectangular pond. But as time passed, the orphanage saw a decline in use due to changes in social policies that favoured foster care and adoption. By the early 20th century, the number of children needing the orphanage’s services decreased significantly.
It’s amazing to think about how this place has transformed over the years. After the orphanage closed, the county council took over the property in 1952, transforming it into a conventional school. The school, a direct successor to Sunbury County Grammar School, opened its doors in 1956 with 150 boys and girls. Sunbury Manor School stands as a symbol of resilience and transformation, a place that has evolved from a Victorian orphanage to a prominent school that continues to enrich the lives of its students and the community it serves. So, here we are, in front of Sunbury Manor School, a place that carries a rich tapestry of history, and we can’t help but wonder what the future holds for this school that has seen so many changes over the years.