Godolphin School
Encyclopedia
The Godolphin School is an independent
boarding school
for girls at Salisbury
in Wiltshire
, England
, founded in 1726. The school educates some 430 girls between the ages of eleven and eighteen.
, between eight and twelve years of age, born in Salisbury or some other Wiltshire town, and to have had "some portion left to them but not exceeding £400". The girls were to be taught to "dance, work, read, write, cast accounts and the business of housewifery". This was a fairly advanced curriculum for its time, since girls of this class were expected to be able to read but not necessarily to be able to write. The new charity was initially to be administered by William Godolphin, a nephew of the founders, the Dean and Chapter having declined to take on the task on the grounds that the idea of educating women was "mere foolery and dreaming". Every year, on the second Saturday in November, the School honours its Elizabeth Godolphin when the Head Girl, accompanied by members of the Upper Sixth
, lays a wreath on her tomb in the cloister of Westminster Abbey
. This ceremony is known to girls past and present as "Commem."
The School did not actually open its doors until 1784, when it was set up in Rosemary Lane, in the Cathedral Close, Salisbury. It later occupied various houses in the vicinity, including Arundels, more recently the home of Sir Edward Heath
, and finally the King's House. A prospectus of 1789, written by the Headmistress, Mrs Voysey, promised a regime of early rising, "agreeable exercise" and a diet of wholesome books "such as enlarge the heart to Virtue and excellency of Sentiment". Following an outbreak of cholera
in 1848, the School moved to Milford Hill, where for nearly half a century it occupied various premises, including Fawcett House on Elm Grove, which was later to become the Swan School. Under the leadership of Miss Polhill (1854–1857) and Miss Andrews (1875–1890), numbers were small and the curriculum narrow. Then, in 1890, Miss Mary Douglas arrived. Described variously as a 'headmistress of genius' and 'the second founder of the School', her headship saw a tenfold increase in numbers from 23 in 1890 to 230 in 1920, the year she retired. In 1891, the distinctive red-brick building on the top of Milford Hill was opened at a cost of £4000, and in the years that followed several new boarding houses were added. During the 1890s school fees were 4 guineas per term for pupils under 12, 5 guineas for pupils from 12 to 15, and 6 guineas for pupils over 15. In 1904 an additional six acres were purchased in order to extend the school grounds, which were then landscaped on the side facing Laverstock. In 1914 oak panelling, which gives the Hall its unique atmosphere, was installed; and in 1925 an open-air swimming pool
was opened. Additions to the School since the Second World War have included a new library
building, several new boarding houses, a science and technology block, a prep school
, a performing arts centre, an indoor swimming pool, with fitness centre, a new boarding house (Douglas) and a Sixth Form Centre.
The arms and motto of the School are those of the Godolphin family. The motto Franc ha leal eto ge – is Old Cornish
and means 'Frank and loyal thou art'.
, and its relevant and responsive curriculum has consistently fostered excellence in the realm of women's education.
Although founded in the tradition of the Church of England, with deeply rooted Christian values, Godolphin also welcomes those of other denominations and faiths.
Today, Godolphin students develop their talents within an environment dedicated specifically to their needs. Standards are exacting, but dedicated teachers and the warmth and friendship within the community encourage even less confident students to experiment, challenge and take risks. Intellectual and creative stimuli, ever-increasing confidence and secure personal relationships are thus at the heart of a Godolphin education.
Set in lovely grounds within easy walking distance of Salisbury's historic centre, Godolphin's facilities comprise an attractive blend of modern and traditional architecture. Within this setting, Godolphin's teachers pursue the common goal of preparing today's young women to take their places with confidence in the world of tomorrow.
Year......% A* and A..........% A* to C.......Number of pupils
2002..........66.9...................99.4.................57
2003..........66.3...................99.1.................75
2004..........75.6...................99.8.................51
2005..........58.6...................99.4.................71
2006..........64.2...................97.4.................66
2007..........66.4...................98.5.................65
2008..........60.8...................98.4.................69
A Level
Year......% A and B.....% A to E.........Number of pupils
2002..........68.4..........98.0.................62
2003..........79.3..........99.4.................53
2004..........78.1..........100.................52
2005..........80.7..........100.................55
2006..........84.8..........100.................50
2007..........64.8..........100.................62
2008..........82.7..........99.5.................61
Independent school
An independent school is a school that is independent in its finances and governance; it is not dependent upon national or local government for financing its operations, nor reliant on taxpayer contributions, and is instead funded by a combination of tuition charges, gifts, and in some cases the...
boarding school
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
for girls at Salisbury
Salisbury
Salisbury is a cathedral city in Wiltshire, England and the only city in the county. It is the second largest settlement in the county...
in Wiltshire
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is landlocked and borders the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. It contains the unitary authority of Swindon and covers...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, founded in 1726. The school educates some 430 girls between the ages of eleven and eighteen.
History
Godolphin was founded in 1726 by the Hon. Charles Godolphin and his wife, Elizabeth, for the education of eight young orphaned gentlewomen. According to the terms of the Will, the beneficiaries were to be daughters of members of the Church of EnglandChurch of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
, between eight and twelve years of age, born in Salisbury or some other Wiltshire town, and to have had "some portion left to them but not exceeding £400". The girls were to be taught to "dance, work, read, write, cast accounts and the business of housewifery". This was a fairly advanced curriculum for its time, since girls of this class were expected to be able to read but not necessarily to be able to write. The new charity was initially to be administered by William Godolphin, a nephew of the founders, the Dean and Chapter having declined to take on the task on the grounds that the idea of educating women was "mere foolery and dreaming". Every year, on the second Saturday in November, the School honours its Elizabeth Godolphin when the Head Girl, accompanied by members of the Upper Sixth
Sixth form
In the education systems of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and of Commonwealth West Indian countries such as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Jamaica and Malta, the sixth form is the final two years of secondary education, where students, usually sixteen to eighteen years of age,...
, lays a wreath on her tomb in the cloister of Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English,...
. This ceremony is known to girls past and present as "Commem."
The School did not actually open its doors until 1784, when it was set up in Rosemary Lane, in the Cathedral Close, Salisbury. It later occupied various houses in the vicinity, including Arundels, more recently the home of Sir Edward Heath
Edward Heath
Sir Edward Richard George "Ted" Heath, KG, MBE, PC was a British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and as Leader of the Conservative Party ....
, and finally the King's House. A prospectus of 1789, written by the Headmistress, Mrs Voysey, promised a regime of early rising, "agreeable exercise" and a diet of wholesome books "such as enlarge the heart to Virtue and excellency of Sentiment". Following an outbreak of cholera
Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission occurs primarily by drinking or eating water or food that has been contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected person or the feces...
in 1848, the School moved to Milford Hill, where for nearly half a century it occupied various premises, including Fawcett House on Elm Grove, which was later to become the Swan School. Under the leadership of Miss Polhill (1854–1857) and Miss Andrews (1875–1890), numbers were small and the curriculum narrow. Then, in 1890, Miss Mary Douglas arrived. Described variously as a 'headmistress of genius' and 'the second founder of the School', her headship saw a tenfold increase in numbers from 23 in 1890 to 230 in 1920, the year she retired. In 1891, the distinctive red-brick building on the top of Milford Hill was opened at a cost of £4000, and in the years that followed several new boarding houses were added. During the 1890s school fees were 4 guineas per term for pupils under 12, 5 guineas for pupils from 12 to 15, and 6 guineas for pupils over 15. In 1904 an additional six acres were purchased in order to extend the school grounds, which were then landscaped on the side facing Laverstock. In 1914 oak panelling, which gives the Hall its unique atmosphere, was installed; and in 1925 an open-air swimming pool
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
was opened. Additions to the School since the Second World War have included a new library
Library
In a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
building, several new boarding houses, a science and technology block, a prep school
Preparatory school (UK)
In English language usage in the former British Empire, the present-day Commonwealth, a preparatory school is an independent school preparing children up to the age of eleven or thirteen for entry into fee-paying, secondary independent schools, some of which are known as public schools...
, a performing arts centre, an indoor swimming pool, with fitness centre, a new boarding house (Douglas) and a Sixth Form Centre.
The arms and motto of the School are those of the Godolphin family. The motto Franc ha leal eto ge – is Old Cornish
Cornish language
Cornish is a Brythonic Celtic language and a recognised minority language of the United Kingdom. Along with Welsh and Breton, it is directly descended from the ancient British language spoken throughout much of Britain before the English language came to dominate...
and means 'Frank and loyal thou art'.
The present day
Today Godolphin is a flourishing independent school for 420 boarding and day students aged eleven to eighteen. It is one of the oldest girls' schools in the United KingdomUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, and its relevant and responsive curriculum has consistently fostered excellence in the realm of women's education.
Although founded in the tradition of the Church of England, with deeply rooted Christian values, Godolphin also welcomes those of other denominations and faiths.
Today, Godolphin students develop their talents within an environment dedicated specifically to their needs. Standards are exacting, but dedicated teachers and the warmth and friendship within the community encourage even less confident students to experiment, challenge and take risks. Intellectual and creative stimuli, ever-increasing confidence and secure personal relationships are thus at the heart of a Godolphin education.
Set in lovely grounds within easy walking distance of Salisbury's historic centre, Godolphin's facilities comprise an attractive blend of modern and traditional architecture. Within this setting, Godolphin's teachers pursue the common goal of preparing today's young women to take their places with confidence in the world of tomorrow.
Academic results for 2002/2008
GCSEYear......% A* and A..........% A* to C.......Number of pupils
2002..........66.9...................99.4.................57
2003..........66.3...................99.1.................75
2004..........75.6...................99.8.................51
2005..........58.6...................99.4.................71
2006..........64.2...................97.4.................66
2007..........66.4...................98.5.................65
2008..........60.8...................98.4.................69
A Level
Year......% A and B.....% A to E.........Number of pupils
2002..........68.4..........98.0.................62
2003..........79.3..........99.4.................53
2004..........78.1..........100.................52
2005..........80.7..........100.................55
2006..........84.8..........100.................50
2007..........64.8..........100.................62
2008..........82.7..........99.5.................61
Headmistresses
- 2010–Present: Mrs Samantha Price
- 1996–2010: Jill Horsburgh
- 1987–1996: Mrs Hilary Fender
- Mrs. Elizabeth Prescott-Decie (Hannay)
- 1968–: Miss Veronica Fraser
- 1958–1967: Miss Engledow
- 1940–1958: Miss Jerred
- 1935–1940: Miss D. M. M. Edwards-Rees
- 1920–1935: Miss Cecily Ray Ash
- 1890–1919: Mary Alice Douglas
- 1875–1890: Miss M.T. Andrews
- 1857–1875: Miss Emma Polhill
- 1854–1857: Miss Polhill (Mrs Cother)
- 1832–1854: Miss Margaret Bazeley
- 1829–: Miss Emily
- 1815–: Miss Anna Maria Alford
- 1784–: Miss Giffard (Mrs. Davis)
- Mrs Voysey
Notable former pupils
- Antonia BernathAntonia Bernath- Early life and education :Raised in Wiltshire, England, Bernath attended Godolphin School before going on to the University of Cambridge. She later dropped out of university when she gained entrance to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.- Career :...
, actress - Amanda Brookfield, writer
- Mary CartwrightMary CartwrightDame Mary Lucy Cartwright DBE FRS was a leading 20th-century British mathematician. She was born in Aynho, Northamptonshire where her father was the vicar and died in Cambridge, England...
, mathematician - Jilly CooperJilly CooperJilly Cooper OBE is an English author. She started her career as a journalist and wrote numerous works of non-fiction before writing several romance novels, the first of which appeared in 1975. She is most famous for writing the Rutshire Chronicles.-Early life:Jilly Sallitt was born in Hornchurch,...
, writer - Dorothy L. SayersDorothy L. SayersDorothy Leigh Sayers was a renowned English crime writer, poet, playwright, essayist, translator and Christian humanist. She was also a student of classical and modern languages...
, writer - Theodora TurnerTheodora TurnerTheodora Turner, OBE was a British nurse and hospital matron....
, nurse - Minette WaltersMinette WaltersMinette Walters is an English crime writer.- Life and work :After her birth in Bishop’s Stortford to a serving army officer, Capt Samuel Jebb and his wife Colleen, the first 10 years of Minette’s life were spent moving between army bases in the north and south of England...
, writer - Deborah MeadenDeborah MeadenDeborah Meaden is a British business woman who ran a multi-million pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout...
, business entrepreneur from BBC's Dragons Den - Dr Rachel Laudan nee Thatcher, Scientific historian, Academic, author, food history writer
See also
- Godolphin and Latymer SchoolGodolphin and Latymer SchoolThe Godolphin and Latymer School is an independent school for 700 girls aged eleven to eighteen in London. Ms Margaret Rudland was the head mistress of the school for over 20 years before being succeeded by Ms Ruth Mercer.-History:...
- The Godolphin Book, compiled by Mary Alice Douglas, published 1928