140 Years of Dean Close School

Today, we warmly welcome our ever-growing community into Chapel as we mark a truly significant milestone, the 140th anniversary of Dean Close School. This special occasion offers not only a moment to celebrate, but also an opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage, traditions and values that have shaped our school over generations.

As we come together to honour this remarkable achievement, we take a closer look at the history of Dean Close School, exploring the stories, people and moments that have defined its journey and continue to inspire its future.

The School opened in 1886 with just two teaching members of staff, the Head, Reverend Flecker and his friend Mr Harvey.  Built on a 9 ½ acre site which was purchased for £1880 (£175,000), the construction was financed through a £20,000 appeal which relied on individual donations including £1000 (£93,000) from Mary, the widow of Francis Close.

It had been a rush to get the building finished as Flecker later wrote '...The east wind howled through the unfurnished building; workmen swarmed everywhere putting finishing touches to their work - no blinds, no gas, no beds! Outside on the playing fields a few blades of glass were struggling up amongst a mass of weeds...'. One boy remembered it in 1887 as still being ‘…unmade and very rough and dusty’.

The first name in the school register is that of William Maurice Gathorne Young, who was about 13 years of age and had probably either attended Flecker’s previous school or his parents had been friends with Flecker. Harvey brought 8 such boys on the train from London who, coupled with some local lads, comprised the school community of approximately 12 pupils. By Trinity 1888 there were 130 boys attending Dean Close. Today there are 1420 pupils across the Foundation.