How many remarkable women do you think have walked these very grounds? Welcome to Waldegrave School a place steeped in history and brimming with inspiring stories. Waldegrave School wasn’t always the thriving academy it is today. It actually began in 1980 from the merger of two prestigious all-girls schools Twickenham Girls’ School and Kneller Girls’ School.
The school’s name Waldegrave School is a tribute to Frances Lady Waldegrave a former resident of the grand Strawberry Hill House. This beautiful building now stands as a testament to a rich legacy. The school’s history extends far beyond 1980. Twickenham Girls’ School opened its doors in 1909. Initially known as Twickenham County School for Girls it later became Twickenham County Grammar School. This school was affectionately nicknamed “The Cowsheds” a charming and perhaps slightly unassuming moniker.
Kneller Girls’ School joined the story in 1936 sharing a site with its counterpart Kneller Boys’ School. The two schools were initially quite separate. However after World War II the school expanded. This was due to the raising of the school leaving age to 15. Following educational reforms Kneller Girls’ School merged and then moved to its current location in Fifth Cross Road. This site was once occupied by the Thames Valley Grammar School which later transformed into a Sixth Form College. The building has seen many changes. The building has witnessed countless stories unfold within its walls.
Today Waldegrave School continues to excel. It is the only state-maintained girls’ school in the borough. In 2014 the school opened a co-educational sixth form. This has allowed even more students to experience the vibrant educational opportunities Waldegrave has to offer. Waldegrave School has received numerous accolades. It was named the top state secondary school in the country multiple times by The Times Parent Power. It also received the title of Comprehensive School of the Year from the Sunday Times Schools Guide.
Waldegrave’s success is attributed to dedicated staff excellent examination results and a rich history of empowering young minds. The school also houses four houses each named after influential women. These houses honour (Mary) Seacole (Emmeline) Pankhurst (George) Eliot and (Rosalind) Franklin. These powerful names serve as inspiration for the students. These women continue to influence the school’s ethos of achievement and empowerment.
Waldegrave School has a distinguished list of alumnae including notable figures in various fields. These include Anna Calvi a singer-songwriter Kelly Marcel a screenwriter Rosie Marcel an actress Anna Vakili a TV personality Caroline Flint a Labour MP Jasmine Whitbread CEO of Save the Children International and Saimo Chahal a human rights lawyer. These impressive women are proof of the school’s impact. Waldegrave School continues to inspire future generations.
The school’s impressive history and current success make Waldegrave School a truly remarkable institution. Its legacy continues to shape the lives of students and leave its mark on the wider community. The school has played a role in the cinematic world. The buildings appeared in the film Shirley Valentine. They were also featured in the television series Goggle-Eyes and a scene in Before I Go to Sleep. Waldegrave School has a vibrant past a successful present and a promising future.