Wisbech Grammar School
helooooooo my name is benWisbech Grammar School is an independent school in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire for ages five to 18. It was founded in 1379 by the Guild of the Holy Trinity and is therefore one of the oldest surviving schools in England. [1]. In 1905 Wisbech High School was established in Harecroft House on the North Brink, offering the same educational opportunities for girls that the Grammar School offered to boys. The two schools were amalgamated in 1970, the boys moving across the river to share extended premises on the North Brink, and the new school has continued to build upon the traditions of both former establishments.
The school was granted Independent status with effect from 1 September 1983 and a decision was taken by the Governors to increase the size of the school roll. The number of pupils has risen from 400 to nearly 600 and includes approximately 150 in the sixth form. The school is currently a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.
Major expansions of the school buildings have seen the addition of classrooms, four laboratories, computer rooms, a sports hall, assembly hall/theatre and library. A new sports pavilion was completed in 1993 and a £1M performing arts centre was completed in April 2003 with extensive facilities for English and music teaching, drama and music technology.
A junior and Infant department was opened in September 1997 after St Audrey's Convent closed. The Convent was a feeder school to the Grammar school, and its closure was a major setback. Many at the time said the school would not survive this. However, the then headmaster, Robert Repper took a significant risk, and transferred most of the teaching staff from the Convent to the Junior Department, effectively taking over and merging the schools. In hindsight, this was a huge advantage to the Grammar School, and it is doubtful that the school would be in as strong a position today, had this risk not been taken.
The Junior Department is now known as Magdalene House, the name reflects the school’s long-standing, but tenuous, historical links with Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Notable alumni
- Thomas Herring - Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Thomas Clarkson - abolitionist.
- Zara Dawson - Actress.
- Claire Goose - Actress.
- Jessica Wright - Medical Expert to Her Majesty the Queen of England
References
- Rev. John L. Blake, "Thomas Herring", A biographical dictionary: comprising a summary account of the lives of the most distinguished persons of all ages, nations, and professions; including more than two thousand articles of American biography. (Philadelphia,: H. Cowperthwait & co., 1859). pg. 588. [2]
- H.L. White, A History of Wisbech Grammar School, (Wisbech, 1939).