Leeds Grammar School
Encyclopedia
Leeds Grammar School was an independent school in Leeds established in 1552. In August 2005 it merged with Leeds Girls' High School
to form The Grammar School at Leeds
. The two schools physically united in September 2008.
The school was founded in 1552 by William Sheafield to provide free, subsidised or fee-paying education to the children of the City of Leeds
. Despite 1552 being the traditional date for the foundation of the school, there is some evidence to suggest that the school existed as early as 1341.
In 1805, the school was the subject of a ruling by Lord Eldon
that set a precedent affecting grammar schools throughout England
.
The date for the foundation of the school still remains in doubt to this day, with records indicating that there was a Grammar School in Leeds as early as 1341. The school's first site is thought to have been in The Calls, by the River Aire
, near the centre of the city. However, by about 1579 the school was in the New Chapel building at the head of Headingley Lane, where it remained until 1624.
In 1624 John Harrison
, a great Leeds benefactor, removed the school "to a pleasant Field of his own which he surrounded with a substantial Wall and in the midst of the Quadrangle built the present Fabrick of the school". Harrison's school was located on North Lane, on the site of the current Grand Theatre
, and opposite St John's Church. Through the years, the school grew steadily in numbers and in reputation. Harrison's building was added onto in the 1640s by a new library, thanks to the endowment of Godfrey Lawson (Mayor of Leeds, 1669–70). The Lawson Library remains with the school to this day, making it the oldest library in Leeds. It was refurbished in 2007.
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, demand for Latin and Greek was falling, while Leeds was growing as a centre of commerce and industry.
In 1791 the trustees proposed to appoint a third master, to teach writing and accounts, and a fourth to teach French and other modern languages.
The plan was opposed by the Master and Usher.
With the two sides unable to agree, a suit in the Court of Chancery
began in 1795.
In 1805, Lord Eldon
, then Lord Chancellor
, in a ruling that set a precedent for grammar schools across the country, proclaimed, "There is no authority for thus changing the nature of the Charity, and filling a School intended for the purpose of teaching Greek and Latin with Scholars learning the German and French languages, mathematics, and anything except Greek and Latin."
He did however offer as a compromise that other subjects might be taught, as long as all boys also learnt the classical languages.
On the death of the master in 1815, the trustees appointed one of their number as acting master, and were able to effect the desired changes.
By 1857, the city of Leeds was growing prodigiously due to the Industrial Revolution
. The city conditions were dirty and Harrison's buildings inadequate for a Victorian education. Therefore in 1857 the decision was made by Rev. Alfred Barry (Headmaster) to move the school to new premises next to Woodhouse Moor
. The building, in Gothic Revival
style, was opened in June 1859. The building was designed by Edward Middleton Barry
, brother of the then headmaster, Rev. Alfred Barry, after whom one of the eight houses was named. At that time the school roll numbered fewer than 100 boys and the buildings were planned for just 200. Serious consideration was given in the 1920s to moving the school to Lawnswood
- the current site of Leeds University's playing fields.
The school was in the Direct Grant
scheme in the 1950s to 1970s, and in the Assisted Places scheme in the 1970s to 1990s.
Throughout the 20th century the school continued to expand, with the building of a new Swimming pool
, Sports Hall, Theatre
, a Design and Technology department, Assembly Hall and Classroom block. By the 1990s, the roll had risen to over 1,100 boys, with the school operating on three separate sites. Despite continuous improvements to accommodate both increased numbers and the requirements of a contemporary curriculum, no further development of the facilities was economically viable without great detriment to the education of the pupils. On top of this, the area of Leeds surrounding the school - Hyde Park
- was in apparent decline and the University of Leeds
was seeking to expand; therefore the decision was taken by the Governors and the University to exchange the Woodhouse Moor, Junior School and Lawnswood premises for a University-owned 138 acre (0.55846668 km²) site in Alwoodley
to the north of Leeds. The Woodhouse Moor premises are now occupied by the Leeds University Business School
.
In September 1997, following £18.5 million and three years of construction, Leeds Grammar School opened at its new home in Alwoodley Gates. In 1999 the school passed into the 21st century with the appointment of a new Headmaster - Dr. Mark Bailey. Following the continued shrinking of Leeds' child population, staff shortages and the need of Leeds Girls' High School
for more adequate modern buildings the decision was taken to merge with Leeds Girls' High School
in 2003. The school physically passed out of existence on 4 July 2008, although it had been legally dissolved since August 2005.
There are many competitions throughout the school year, the most notable of these being Sports day and House music. Any house activity, be it a win or a draw, results in the acquiring of House Points. All eight houses compete throughout the year for the coveted Bailey Cup - awarded at the end of the year for the house with the most House Points.
Following the merger with Leeds Girls High School four of these houses (Thoresby, Neville, Clarell and Barry) were removed. Four houses have been created from alumnae important to Leeds Girls High School (Eddison, Ford, Lupton and Powell) thereby maintaining the current eight-house system at GSAL.
in August 2005, and the two schools physically merged in September 2008. At that time the Senior School (ages 11–18) and Junior School (ages 7–11) will remain at their present Alwoodley
Site. The Infant School will move to the former LGHS site at Headingley alongside a new Nursery School
. The merged school will be called The Grammar School at Leeds
. The main Senior School site of Leeds Girls' High School will be sold to a private developer. Classes for girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 16 will remain segregated, but all extracurricular activities will be mixed.
The merger of the two schools has caused some controversy due to the expected increase in traffic levels at the Alwoodley site.
' song "I predict a Riot":
"Would never have happened to Smeaton, an old Leodiensian"
The line features John Smeaton
a famous pupil of the school, and was written by the Kaiser Chiefs lead singer Ricky Wilson
who is himself an Old Leodiensian.
Leeds Girls' High School
Leeds Girls' High School was an independent, selective, fee paying school for girls aged 3–18 located in Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
to form The Grammar School at Leeds
Grammar School at Leeds
The Grammar School at Leeds is an Independent school in Leeds, England, created on 4 August 2005 from the merger of Leeds Grammar School and Leeds Girls' High School....
. The two schools physically united in September 2008.
The school was founded in 1552 by William Sheafield to provide free, subsidised or fee-paying education to the children of the City of Leeds
Leeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
. Despite 1552 being the traditional date for the foundation of the school, there is some evidence to suggest that the school existed as early as 1341.
In 1805, the school was the subject of a ruling by Lord Eldon
John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon
John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon PC KC FRS FSA was a British barrister and politician. He served as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain between 1801 and 1806 and again between 1807 and 1827.- Background and education :...
that set a precedent affecting grammar schools throughout 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...
.
History
Leeds Grammar School was founded in 1552, following the death of the Reverend William Sheafield in July of that year. Sheafield left £14 13s. 4d. in his will to maintain a schoolmaster "to teach and instruct freely for ever all such Younge Schollars Youthes and Children as shall come and resort to him from time to time to be taught instructed and informed", provided that a school house was built by the town of Leeds.The date for the foundation of the school still remains in doubt to this day, with records indicating that there was a Grammar School in Leeds as early as 1341. The school's first site is thought to have been in The Calls, by the River Aire
River Aire
The River Aire is a major river in Yorkshire, England of length . Part of the river is canalised, and is known as the Aire and Calder Navigation....
, near the centre of the city. However, by about 1579 the school was in the New Chapel building at the head of Headingley Lane, where it remained until 1624.
In 1624 John Harrison
John Harrison (Leeds)
John Harrison was a prominent inhabitant of Leeds, in Yorkshire, England, in the sixteenth and seventeenth century, variously as one of the early woollen cloth merchants, and as a benefactor of the town.-Commercial and municipal life:...
, a great Leeds benefactor, removed the school "to a pleasant Field of his own which he surrounded with a substantial Wall and in the midst of the Quadrangle built the present Fabrick of the school". Harrison's school was located on North Lane, on the site of the current Grand Theatre
Grand Theatre Leeds
The Grand Theatre is a theatre and Opera house in the centre of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It was designed by James Robinson Watson, chief assistant in the office of Leeds-based architect George Corson, and opened on 18 November 1878...
, and opposite St John's Church. Through the years, the school grew steadily in numbers and in reputation. Harrison's building was added onto in the 1640s by a new library, thanks to the endowment of Godfrey Lawson (Mayor of Leeds, 1669–70). The Lawson Library remains with the school to this day, making it the oldest library in Leeds. It was refurbished in 2007.
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, demand for Latin and Greek was falling, while Leeds was growing as a centre of commerce and industry.
In 1791 the trustees proposed to appoint a third master, to teach writing and accounts, and a fourth to teach French and other modern languages.
The plan was opposed by the Master and Usher.
With the two sides unable to agree, a suit in the Court of Chancery
Court of Chancery
The Court of Chancery was a court of equity in England and Wales that followed a set of loose rules to avoid the slow pace of change and possible harshness of the common law. The Chancery had jurisdiction over all matters of equity, including trusts, land law, the administration of the estates of...
began in 1795.
In 1805, Lord Eldon
John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon
John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon PC KC FRS FSA was a British barrister and politician. He served as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain between 1801 and 1806 and again between 1807 and 1827.- Background and education :...
, then Lord Chancellor
Lord Chancellor
The Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, or Lord Chancellor, is a senior and important functionary in the government of the United Kingdom. He is the second highest ranking of the Great Officers of State, ranking only after the Lord High Steward. The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Sovereign...
, in a ruling that set a precedent for grammar schools across the country, proclaimed, "There is no authority for thus changing the nature of the Charity, and filling a School intended for the purpose of teaching Greek and Latin with Scholars learning the German and French languages, mathematics, and anything except Greek and Latin."
He did however offer as a compromise that other subjects might be taught, as long as all boys also learnt the classical languages.
On the death of the master in 1815, the trustees appointed one of their number as acting master, and were able to effect the desired changes.
By 1857, the city of Leeds was growing prodigiously due to the Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural conditions of the times...
. The city conditions were dirty and Harrison's buildings inadequate for a Victorian education. Therefore in 1857 the decision was made by Rev. Alfred Barry (Headmaster) to move the school to new premises next to Woodhouse Moor
Woodhouse Moor
Woodhouse Moor is an open space approximately one mile from Leeds city centre, West Yorkshire, England. Today it consists of 3 parts: a formal park, Woodhouse Moor , of around 26 hectares in area on the west of Woodhouse Lane , and two other open areas on the east of it...
. The building, in Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival architecture
The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
style, was opened in June 1859. The building was designed by Edward Middleton Barry
Edward Middleton Barry
Edward Middleton Barry was an English architect of the 19th century.-Biography:Edward Barry was the third son of Sir Charles Barry, born in his father's house, 27 Foley Place, London. In infancy he was delicate, and was placed under the care of a confidential servant at Blackheath...
, brother of the then headmaster, Rev. Alfred Barry, after whom one of the eight houses was named. At that time the school roll numbered fewer than 100 boys and the buildings were planned for just 200. Serious consideration was given in the 1920s to moving the school to Lawnswood
Lawnswood
Lawnswood is a small suburb in the north west of the city of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. As such it is north north east of the West Yorkshire Urban Area.- Location :It is bordered by West Park, Adel, Ireland Wood and Holt Park...
- the current site of Leeds University's playing fields.
The school was in the Direct Grant
Direct grant grammar school
A direct grant grammar school was a selective secondary school in England and Wales between 1945 and 1976 funded partly by the state and partly through private fees....
scheme in the 1950s to 1970s, and in the Assisted Places scheme in the 1970s to 1990s.
Throughout the 20th century the school continued to expand, with the building of a new 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...
, Sports Hall, Theatre
Theatre
Theatre is a collaborative form of fine art that uses live performers to present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place. The performers may communicate this experience to the audience through combinations of gesture, speech, song, music or dance...
, a Design and Technology department, Assembly Hall and Classroom block. By the 1990s, the roll had risen to over 1,100 boys, with the school operating on three separate sites. Despite continuous improvements to accommodate both increased numbers and the requirements of a contemporary curriculum, no further development of the facilities was economically viable without great detriment to the education of the pupils. On top of this, the area of Leeds surrounding the school - Hyde Park
Hyde Park, Leeds
Hyde Park is an inner-city area of north-west Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, situated between the University of Leeds and Headingley.It is mainly in the Hyde Park & Woodhouse ward, though some areas of what is often considered to be Hyde Park lie within the Headingley Ward . The boundary is...
- was in apparent decline and the University of Leeds
University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is a British Redbrick university located in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
was seeking to expand; therefore the decision was taken by the Governors and the University to exchange the Woodhouse Moor, Junior School and Lawnswood premises for a University-owned 138 acre (0.55846668 km²) site in Alwoodley
Alwoodley
Alwoodley is a civil parish and suburb of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. It is north of central Leeds. The name Alwoodley is said to be a corruption of 'Aethelwaldley', as it was originally known in the Middle Ages, meaning the woodland clearing , at Aethelwald's farm...
to the north of Leeds. The Woodhouse Moor premises are now occupied by the Leeds University Business School
Leeds University Business School
Leeds University Business School , is the business school of the University of Leeds, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.Leeds University Business School is regarded as one of the best in the UK , with its MBA programme ranked among the top 50 in the world...
.
In September 1997, following £18.5 million and three years of construction, Leeds Grammar School opened at its new home in Alwoodley Gates. In 1999 the school passed into the 21st century with the appointment of a new Headmaster - Dr. Mark Bailey. Following the continued shrinking of Leeds' child population, staff shortages and the need of Leeds Girls' High School
Leeds Girls' High School
Leeds Girls' High School was an independent, selective, fee paying school for girls aged 3–18 located in Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
for more adequate modern buildings the decision was taken to merge with Leeds Girls' High School
Leeds Girls' High School
Leeds Girls' High School was an independent, selective, fee paying school for girls aged 3–18 located in Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
in 2003. The school physically passed out of existence on 4 July 2008, although it had been legally dissolved since August 2005.
Houses
Leeds Grammar School has eight houses named after individuals connected with the school or its formation. This system dates back to 1924, with the original school houses being Clarell, Sheafield, Neville and Thoresby. Currently there are eight houses:- Barry - after Rev. Alfred BarryAlfred BarryDr. Alfred Barry was the Third Bishop of Sydney, who over the course of his career served as headmaster of several independent schools, Principal of King's College London, and founded several prominent Anglican schools....
, PhD, who planned the move of Leeds Grammar School to its site in Woodhouse Moor, which it occupied between 1859 and 1997. - Clarell - after Thomas Clarell, Vicar of Leeds from 1430 to 1469, and founder of the Clarell Chantry, in which was employed William Sheafield as chantry priest.
- Ermystead - after William Ermystead, who paid for the construction of the Lady Lane site in the 1590s.
- Harrison - after John HarrisonJohn Harrison (Leeds)John Harrison was a prominent inhabitant of Leeds, in Yorkshire, England, in the sixteenth and seventeenth century, variously as one of the early woollen cloth merchants, and as a benefactor of the town.-Commercial and municipal life:...
, benefactor of Leeds, who built the school its third site on North Street. - Lawson - after Godfrey Lawson, Mayor of Leeds, who endowed to the school the Lawson Library - the oldest library in Leeds.
- Nevile - for Sir John Nevile, one of the first trustees of the school.
- Sheafield - after William Sheafield, who is traditionally thought of as the founder of the school in 1552, by virtue of the date of signature of his will, which endowed the school.
- Thoresby - after Ralph ThoresbyRalph ThoresbyRalph Thoresby , born in Leeds and is widely credited with being the first historian of that city. He was besides a merchant, non-conformist, fellow of the Royal Society, diarist, author, common-councilman in the Corporation of Leeds, and museum keeper.-Upbringing:Ralph Thoresby was the son of John...
, topographer of Leeds and alumnusAlumnusAn alumnus , according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is "a graduate of a school, college, or university." An alumnus can also be a former member, employee, contributor or inmate as well as a former student. In addition, an alumna is "a female graduate or former student of a school, college,...
of the school.
There are many competitions throughout the school year, the most notable of these being Sports day and House music. Any house activity, be it a win or a draw, results in the acquiring of House Points. All eight houses compete throughout the year for the coveted Bailey Cup - awarded at the end of the year for the house with the most House Points.
Following the merger with Leeds Girls High School four of these houses (Thoresby, Neville, Clarell and Barry) were removed. Four houses have been created from alumnae important to Leeds Girls High School (Eddison, Ford, Lupton and Powell) thereby maintaining the current eight-house system at GSAL.
Merger with Leeds Girls' High School
The school administration merged with Leeds Girls' High SchoolLeeds Girls' High School
Leeds Girls' High School was an independent, selective, fee paying school for girls aged 3–18 located in Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
in August 2005, and the two schools physically merged in September 2008. At that time the Senior School (ages 11–18) and Junior School (ages 7–11) will remain at their present Alwoodley
Alwoodley
Alwoodley is a civil parish and suburb of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. It is north of central Leeds. The name Alwoodley is said to be a corruption of 'Aethelwaldley', as it was originally known in the Middle Ages, meaning the woodland clearing , at Aethelwald's farm...
Site. The Infant School will move to the former LGHS site at Headingley alongside a new Nursery School
Nursery school
A nursery school is a school for children between the ages of one and five years, staffed by suitably qualified and other professionals who encourage and supervise educational play rather than simply providing childcare...
. The merged school will be called The Grammar School at Leeds
Grammar School at Leeds
The Grammar School at Leeds is an Independent school in Leeds, England, created on 4 August 2005 from the merger of Leeds Grammar School and Leeds Girls' High School....
. The main Senior School site of Leeds Girls' High School will be sold to a private developer. Classes for girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 16 will remain segregated, but all extracurricular activities will be mixed.
The merger of the two schools has caused some controversy due to the expected increase in traffic levels at the Alwoodley site.
Leodiensian
Leodiensian is the name given to the school magazine of Leeds Grammar School; the first edition was published in October 1827, and it became a regular annual publication from 1882, making it one of the longest-running school publications. The name Leodiensian is derived from the Latin name for Leeds, Ledesia (and later Leodis), and in an adjectival form can be seen in the School Song, in the phrase "Leodenses cuncti".Old Leodiensian
A former pupil of Leeds Grammar School is described as an Old Leodiensian. In popular culture, Old Leodiensian features in the Kaiser ChiefsKaiser Chiefs
Kaiser Chiefs are an English indie rock band from Leeds who formed in 1996. They were named after the South African football club Kaizer Chiefs....
' song "I predict a Riot":
"Would never have happened to Smeaton, an old Leodiensian"
The line features John Smeaton
John Smeaton
John Smeaton, FRS, was an English civil engineer responsible for the design of bridges, canals, harbours and lighthouses. He was also a capable mechanical engineer and an eminent physicist...
a famous pupil of the school, and was written by the Kaiser Chiefs lead singer Ricky Wilson
Ricky Wilson
Ricky Wilson may refer to:*Ricky Wilson , guitarist of The B-52's*Ricky Wilson , singer of Kaiser Chiefs*Ricky Wilson , former NBA player...
who is himself an Old Leodiensian.
Headmasters
Notable alumni
Alumni from Leeds Grammar School are called Old Leodiensians or "Old Leo's". Notable Old Leo's include:- Thomas AdamThomas AdamThomas Adam was a Church of England clergyman and religious writer.-Biography:Adam was born at Leeds, West Yorkshire on 25 February 1701. His father was a solicitor and town clerk of the Leeds Corporation; his mother Elizabeth, daughter of Jasper Blythman—locally distinguished and allied to an...
(1701–1784) - Church of EnglandChurch of EnglandThe 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...
clergyman and religious writer. - Thomas T Adamson-CoumbousisThomas T Adamson-CoumbousisThomas Adamson is a Presenter and Journalist for the global newschannel, .He often presents in the evening from 20.00 to midnight GMT.Until 2007, Adamson filmed and reported for More4 News, and Channel 4 News at ITN.- Education :...
- Channel 4 News, TV Reporter/Producer - John BerkenhoutJohn BerkenhoutJohn Berkenhout was an English physician, naturalist and miscellaneous writer.Berkenhout was the son of John Berkenhout Snr, a Dutch merchant who had settled in Yorkshire, and Anne Kitchingman...
(1726–91) - EnglishEnglandEngland 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...
physicianPhysicianA physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
, naturalistNatural historyNatural history is the scientific research of plants or animals, leaning more towards observational rather than experimental methods of study, and encompasses more research published in magazines than in academic journals. Grouped among the natural sciences, natural history is the systematic study...
and miscellaneous writer - Sir Basil Davenport Blackwell (1922–2003) - Engineer and industrialist. Former chief executive of the Westland Group.
- Robin BlazeRobin Blaze- Childhood and education :The son of a professional golfer Peter, Robin Blaze grew up in Shadwell, near Leeds and was educated at Leeds Grammar School, Uppingham School, and Magdalen College, Oxford....
- countertenorCountertenorA countertenor is a male singing voice whose vocal range is equivalent to that of a contralto, mezzo-soprano, or a soprano, usually through use of falsetto, or far more rarely than normal, modal voice. A pre-pubescent male who has this ability is called a treble... - Jon BlundyJon BlundyJonathan David Blundy FRS , is Professor of Petrology, in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol. -Life:...
(b. 1961) - geologist, Professor of Petrology at University of BristolUniversity of BristolThe University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. One of the so-called "red brick" universities, it received its Royal Charter in 1909, although its predecessor institution, University College, Bristol, had been in existence since 1876.The University is... - Albert BraithwaiteAlbert BraithwaiteSir Albert Newby Braithwaite DSO was a British Conservative Party politician. He was the son of Albert Braithwaite, one time Lord Mayor of Leeds and Patti Braithwaite....
, Conservative M.P. - William Henry BrookfieldWilliam Henry BrookfieldWilliam Henry Brookfield was an Anglican priest, Inspector of Schools, and chaplain-in-ordinary to Queen Victoria. His son was the playwright Charles Brookfield.-Biography:...
(1809–74) - Inspector of Schools, and chaplain-in-ordinary to Queen VictoriaVictoria of the United KingdomVictoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
. - William Arthur BrownWilliam Arthur BrownWilliam Arthur Brown, CBE is an academic specialising in the field of industrial relations and the current Master of Darwin College, Cambridge.-Education and Academic Career:...
(b. 1945) - Master of Darwin College, CambridgeDarwin College, CambridgeDarwin College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge.Founded in 1964, Darwin was Cambridge University's first graduate-only college, and also the first to admit both men and women. The college is named after the family of one of the university's most famous graduates, Charles Darwin... - Sir Stephen Brown KCVO - Group Chief Executive of British Trade International, former ambassador
- Charles West CopeCharles West CopeCharles West Cope was an English Victorian era painter of genre and history scenes, and an etcher. He was responsible for painting several frescos in the House of Lords in London.-Early life and training:...
(1811–1890) Victorian era painter of genre and history scenes - Keith CoxKeith CoxKeith Gordon Cox FRS was a British geologist and academic at the University of Oxford. He had a particular interest in flood basalts and was regarded as one of the leading experts in this area.-Life and career:...
(1933–1998) geologist and academic at the University of Oxford. - Robert CrosthwaiteRobert CrosthwaiteRobert Jarratt Crosthwaite, DD was the inaugural Bishop of Beverley in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries....
(1837–1925) inaugural Bishop of BeverleyBishop of BeverleyThe Bishop of Beverley is a Church of England suffragan bishop. The title takes its name after the town of Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England.... - Geoffrey Crowther, Baron CrowtherGeoffrey Crowther, Baron CrowtherGeoffrey Crowther, Baron Crowther was a British economist, journalist, educationalist and businessman. He was editor of The Economist from 1938 to 1956.-Early life and education:...
(1907–1972) - economist, editor of The EconomistThe EconomistThe Economist is an English-language weekly news and international affairs publication owned by The Economist Newspaper Ltd. and edited in offices in the City of Westminster, London, England. Continuous publication began under founder James Wilson in September 1843...
. - Barry CryerBarry CryerBarry Charles Cryer OBE is a British writer and comedian. Cryer has written for many noted performers, including Dave Allen, Stanley Baxter, Jack Benny, Rory Bremner, George Burns, Jasper Carrott, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Dick Emery, Kenny Everett, Bruce Forsyth, David Frost, Bob Hope, Frankie...
- Comedian and comedy writer - Alan DavidsonAlan Davidson (food writer)Alan Eaton Davidson was a British diplomat and historian best known for his writing and editing on food and gastronomy. He was the author of the 900-page, encyclopedic The Oxford Companion to Food .The son of a Scottish tax inspector, Davidson was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland...
- author, diplomat, food writer. - Howard DevotoHoward DevotoHoward Devoto is an English rock and roll singer-songwriter, who began his career as the frontman for the punk band Buzzcocks, but then left to form Magazine, one of the first post-punk bands...
- Ex-lead singer of BuzzcocksBuzzcocksBuzzcocks are an English punk rock band formed in Bolton in 1976, led by singer–songwriter–guitarist Pete Shelley.They are regarded as an important influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement, punk rock, power pop, pop punk and indie rock. They achieved commercial...
, MagazineMagazine (band)Magazine are an English post-punk group active from 1977 to 1981, then reformed in 2009. Their debut single, "Shot by Both Sides", is now acknowledged as a classic and their debut album, Real Life, is still widely admired as one of the greatest albums of all time...
and LuxuriaLuxuriaLuxuria was a British pop music band made up of vocalist Howard Devoto and instrumentalist Norman Fisher-Jones, aka "Noko." The band was active in the 1980s and early 1990s....
. - Lord "Jack" Diamond (John DiamondJohn Diamond, Baron DiamondJohn Diamond, Baron Diamond, PC , also known as Jack Diamond, was a British Labour Party politician....
) (1907–2004) - Politician, Member of parliament, and leader of the Social Democratic PartySocial Democratic Party (UK)The Social Democratic Party was a political party in the United Kingdom that was created on 26 March 1981 and existed until 1988. It was founded by four senior Labour Party 'moderates', dubbed the 'Gang of Four': Roy Jenkins, David Owen, Bill Rodgers and Shirley Williams...
in the House of Lords. - George DixonGeorge Dixon (MP)George Dixon was English Liberal politician who was active in local government in Birmingham and sat in the House of Commons in two periods between 1867 and 1898. He was a major proponent of education for all children.-Life:...
- MP for Birmingham, also Edgbaston. Educationalist - Jeremy DysonJeremy DysonJeremy Dyson is an English screenwriter and, along with Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, a participant in The League of Gentlemen.-Early life:...
- scriptwriter especially for The League of GentlemenThe League of GentlemenThe League of Gentlemen are a group of British comedians formed in 1995, best known for their radio and television series.The League of Gentlemen may also refer to:* The League of Gentlemen ,...
. - Ralph EmmersonRalph EmmersonRalph Emmerson was Bishop of Knaresborough from 1972 to 1979. Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire on 7 July 1913 he was educated at Leeds Grammar School and King’s College London. He worked initially in the Youth Employment Department of Leeds Educational Authority before studying for ordination at ...
(1913–2008) - Bishop of KnaresboroughBishop of KnaresboroughThe Bishop of Knaresborough is an episcopal title used by a suffragan bishop of the Church of England Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, in the Province of York, England...
from 1972 to 1979 - Ernest FarrarErnest FarrarErnest Bristow Farrar was an English composer, pianist and organist-Life:Ernest Farrar was born in Lewisham, London. The son of a clergyman, he was educated at Leeds Grammar School, where he began organ studies and in May 1905 won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music...
(1885–1918) - composer - Robin FlowerRobin FlowerRobin Ernest William Flower was an English poet and scholar, a Celticist, Anglo-Saxonist and translator from the Irish language. He is commonly known in Ireland as "Bláithín" . He married Ida Mary Streeter.-Life:...
(1881–1946) - poet - John FreebornJohn FreebornWing Commander John Connell Freeborn DFC* was a World War II RAF pilot. He was not only an ace but also held the distinction of having flown more operational hours than any other RAF pilot during the Battle of Britain....
(b. 1919) - Battle of Britain RAF pilot - Richard Harrington (b. 1957) - UK Member of Parliament (MP) for Watford, 2010 -
- Tony HarrisonTony HarrisonTony Harrison is an English poet and playwright. He is noted for controversial works such as the poem V and Fram, as well as his versions of ancient Greek tragedies, including the Oresteia and Hecuba...
(b. 1937) - poet - Sir John HawkshawJohn HawkshawSir John Hawkshaw , was an English civil engineer.-Early life:He was born in Leeds, Yorkshire and was educated at Leeds Grammar School...
(1811–91) - Engineer (railways, canals, tunnels) - George HendersonGeorge Francis Robert HendersonColonel George Francis Robert Henderson CB was a British soldier and military author.- Early life :Henderson was born in Jersey in 1854. Educated at Leeds Grammar School, of which his father, afterwards Dean of Carlisle, was headmaster, he was early attracted to the study of history, and obtained...
(1854–1903) - British soldier and military author most famous for his work regarding the American Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
and Thomas J. Jackson - Sir Jack HibbertJack HibbertSir Jack Hibbert was a Britishstatistician and director of the Central Statistical Office of the United Kingdom, 1985-1992. He was made a KCB in 1990.-Background:...
- director of the Central Statistical OfficeCentral Statistical OfficeCentral Statistical Offices:*Central Statistical Office *Central Statistical Office *Central Statistics Office *Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia...
, 1985-92. - Ken HodcroftKen HodcroftKen Hodcroft is the managing director of Increased Oil Recovery and the chairman of Hartlepool United F.C. .-Early life:Ken Hodcroft was born in Newcastle but moved to Leeds when he was five with his family. There he was educated at Leeds Grammar School and took his A-Levels. It was at Leeds...
- Chairman of Hartlepool United F.C.Hartlepool United F.C.Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season... - George Edward HoldernessGeorge Edward HoldernessThe Rt Reverend George Edward Holderness was an eminent Anglican priest in the second half of the 20th century. He was born on 5 March 1913 and educated at Leeds Grammar School and Keble College, Oxford. Ordained in 1936 he began his career with a curacy at Bedale and was then Chaplain at Aysgarth...
- eminent Anglican priest in the second half of the 20th century - Arthur Michael HollisArthur Michael HollisThe Rt Rev Arthur Michael Hollis was an eminent Anglican clergyman in the mid 20th century.A member of a distinguished family, he was born on June 23, 1899 and educated at Leeds Grammar School and Trinity College, Oxford. Ordained in 1924 his first post was as a preacher at St Andrew’s, Huddersfield...
- eminent Anglican clergyman in the mid 20th century. - John IrelandJohn Ireland (composer)John Nicholson Ireland was an English composer.- Life :John Ireland was born in Bowdon, near Altrincham, Manchester, into a family of Scottish descent and some cultural distinction. His father, Alexander Ireland, a publisher and newspaper proprietor, was aged 70 at John's birth...
(1879–1962) - composer - Samuel W. JohnsonSamuel W. JohnsonSamuel Waite Johnson was Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Midland Railway from 1873 to 1903. He was born in Bramley, Yorkshire and educated at Leeds Grammar School.-Career:...
(1831–1912) - mechanical engineer - Donald Kaberry, Baron Kaberry of Adel (1907–91) - politician, Member of Parliament for Leeds North WestLeeds North West (UK Parliament constituency)Leeds North West is a parliamentary constituency in the City of Leeds, West Yorkshire which is represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elects one Member of Parliament by the first past the post system of election....
- Sir Gerald KaufmanGerald KaufmanSir Gerald Bernard Kaufman is a British Labour Party politician, who has been a Member of Parliament since 1970, first for Manchester Ardwick, and then subsequently for Manchester Gorton...
(b. 1930) - Member of Parliament - Reverend Geoffrey Anketell Studdert Kennedy (Woodbine Willy) - priest and counsellor in World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
- William Ryott Maughan (1863–1933) - English-born Australian politician
- Alston James Weller MayAlston James Weller MayAlston James Weller May was an Anglican bishop in the first half of the 20th century. He was born in 1869 and educated at Leeds Grammar School and Oriel College, Oxford . After a period of study at Ripon College Cuddesdon he was ordained in 1894...
- 2nd Bishop of Northern Rhodesia - Joseph MilnerJoseph MilnerJoseph Milner , English evangelical divine, was born at Leeds and educated at Leeds Grammar School and Cambridge.After taking his degree he went to Thorparch, Yorkshire, as curate and assistant schoolmaster. Subsequently he became headmaster of Hull Grammar School, and in 1768 he was chosen...
(1744–97) - English evangelical divine - Colin MontgomerieColin MontgomerieColin Stuart Montgomerie, OBE is a Scottish professional golfer, often referred to by one of his nicknames 'Monty'. He has had one of the finest careers in European Tour history, having won a record eight Order of Merit titles, including a streak of seven consecutively from 1993 to 1999, and 31...
(attended circa 1980-82) - Golf Professional - Patrick MunroPatrick MunroPatrick Munro , also known as Pat Munro, was a British Conservative politician and international rugby union player.-Biography:...
(1883–1942) Conservative M.P. and international rugby union player - William Nicholson, 1st Baron NicholsonWilliam Nicholson, 1st Baron NicholsonField Marshal William Gustavus Nicholson, 1st Baron Nicholson, GCB , was a British Army officer who, in a half-century of service, rose through the ranks in India and the Boer War to the rank of Field Marshal...
(1845–1918) - Field Marshal - Richard PeacockRichard PeacockRichard Peacock was an English engineer, one of the founders of locomotive manufacturer Beyer-Peacock.-Early life and education:...
(1820–89) - Engineer; railway locomotive designer - Christopher PriceChristopher Price (UK politician)Christopher Price is a former Labour politician in the United Kingdom.Price was educated at Leeds Grammar School and The Queen's College, Oxford where he was secretary of the Labour Club in 1953...
- politician - Joseph Bancroft ReadeJoseph Bancroft ReadeRev. Joseph Bancroft Reade FRS was an English clergyman, amateur scientist and pioneer of photography.-Early life:...
FRS (1801–70) - Clergyman, amateur scientist and pioneer of photography - James Buchanan SeatonJames Buchanan SeatonThe Rt Rev James Buchanan Seaton, DD was an eminent Anglican Bishop in the first half of the 20th century.He was born on 19 March 1868, educated at Leeds Grammar School and Christ Church, Oxford and ordained in 1894. After a period as a Curate in Oswestry he was Vice-Principal of Leeds Clergy...
Archdeacon of Johannesburg and later Bishop of WakefieldBishop of WakefieldThe Bishop of Wakefield is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Wakefield in the Province of York.The diocese based in Wakefield in West Yorkshire, covers Wakefield, Barnsley, Kirklees and Calderdale... - Sydney SelwynSydney SelwynSydney Selwyn was a British physician, medical scientist, and professor.He was a medical microbiologist with an interest in bacteriology, authority on the history of medicine, avid collector, writer, lecturer, world traveller, and occasional radio and TV broadcaster.-Life:Sydney Selwyn was born in...
(1934–1996), British physician, medical scientist and notable expert in the history of medicine. - Guy SigsworthGuy SigsworthGuy Sigsworth is a U.K. based composer, producer and songwriter. In his career to date he has worked with many famous artists, including Seal, Björk, Goldie, Madonna, Britney Spears, Kate Havnevik, Bebel Gilberto, Mozez, David Sylvian and Alanis Morissette...
- electronica producer and was member of the band Frou Frou - John SmeatonJohn SmeatonJohn Smeaton, FRS, was an English civil engineer responsible for the design of bridges, canals, harbours and lighthouses. He was also a capable mechanical engineer and an eminent physicist...
(1724–94) - civil and mechanical engineer famous for building the third Eddystone LighthouseEddystone LighthouseEddystone Lighthouse is on the treacherous Eddystone Rocks, south west of Rame Head, United Kingdom. While Rame Head is in Cornwall, the rocks are in Devon and composed of Precambrian Gneiss....
, and for many other engineering projects. - Barnett StrossBarnett StrossSir Barnett Stross KBE was a British doctor and politician. He served twenty years as a Labour Party Member of Parliament, famously led the humanitarian campaign "Lidice Shall Live" and pushed for reforms in industry to protect workers-Early life:Barnett Stross was born to a Jewish family,...
(1899–1967) - doctor and politician - Dave SyersDave SyersDavid Thomas Syers is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Bradford City.-Early and personal life:Born in Leeds, Syers attended Leeds Grammar School, representing the school at cricket....
(b. 1987) - Professional footballer for Bradford City - Godfrey Talbot - war-time BBC correspondent; later the BBC's first officially-accredited royal correspondent.
- Ralph ThoresbyRalph ThoresbyRalph Thoresby , born in Leeds and is widely credited with being the first historian of that city. He was besides a merchant, non-conformist, fellow of the Royal Society, diarist, author, common-councilman in the Corporation of Leeds, and museum keeper.-Upbringing:Ralph Thoresby was the son of John...
(1658–1724) - Merchant, dissenter, and author of the first history of Leeds, Ducatus Leodiensis, in 1715 - John Rowe TownsendJohn Rowe TownsendJohn Rowe Townsend is a British children's author and academic. His best-known children's novel is The Intruder, which won a 1971 Edgar Award and the best-known academic work is Written for Children: An Outline of English Language Children's Literature , the definitive work of its time on the...
- children's writer - Lawrence WagerLawrence WagerLawrence Rickard Wager, commonly known as Bill Wager, was a British geologist, explorer and mountaineer, described as "one of the finest geological thinkers of his generation" and best remembered for his work on the Skaergaard intrusion in Greenland, and for his attempt on Mount Everest in...
(1904–65) - geologist, explorer and mountaineer
- Nigel WatersonNigel WatersonNigel Christopher Waterson is a politician in the United Kingdom. He was Conservative Party member of Parliament for Eastbourne until the 2010 election. He was first elected in 1992...
(b. 1950) - Member of Parliament for Eastbourne - Philip WilbyPhilip WilbyPhilip Wilby is a British composer.Educated at Leeds Grammar School and Keble College, Oxford, he joined the staff at the University of Leeds in 1972...
(b. 1949) - composer - Ricky Wilson - Lead singer of the Kaiser ChiefsKaiser ChiefsKaiser Chiefs are an English indie rock band from Leeds who formed in 1996. They were named after the South African football club Kaizer Chiefs....
Notable teachers
- Alan AldousAlan AldousAlan Aldous was a teacher who was headmaster of two schools.He was educated at Ilford County High School and Jesus College, Oxford.- Career :...
(1923–92) - Headmaster from 1970–75 - Alfred BarryAlfred BarryDr. Alfred Barry was the Third Bishop of Sydney, who over the course of his career served as headmaster of several independent schools, Principal of King's College London, and founded several prominent Anglican schools....
(1826–1910) - Headmaster from 1854–62; later the third Bishop of Sydney, 1884–89 - Joanne HarrisJoanne HarrisJoanne Michèle Sylvie Harris is a British author.Biography=Born to a French mother and an English father in her grandparents' sweet shop, her family life was filled with food and folklore. Her great-grandmother had an odd reputation and enjoyed letting the gullible think she was a witch and healer...
- Author of ChocolatChocolatChocolat is a 1999 novel by Joanne Harris. It tells the story of Vianne Rocher, a young mother, who arrives at a fictional insular French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her six-year-old daughter, Anouk... - Cyril NorwoodCyril NorwoodSir Cyril M Norwood served as Headmaster of Bristol Grammar School and Harrow School as well as President of St. John's College, Oxford....
- Classics master, later Headmaster of Harrow SchoolHarrow SchoolHarrow School, commonly known simply as "Harrow", is an English independent school for boys situated in the town of Harrow, in north-west London.. The school is of worldwide renown. There is some evidence that there has been a school on the site since 1243 but the Harrow School we know today was... - Samuel PullenSamuel PullenSamuel Pullen was the Church of Ireland archbishop of Tuam in Ireland.-Biography:Samuel Pullen was the son of William Pullein, rector of Ripley, Yorkshire. Born in Ripley in 1598, he commenced M.A...
(1598–1667), first master, under the second endowment of the school, and later Church of IrelandChurch of IrelandThe Church of Ireland is an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion. The church operates in all parts of Ireland and is the second largest religious body on the island after the Roman Catholic Church...
Archbishop of TuamChurch of Ireland Diocese of Tuam, Killala and AchonryThe Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry is a diocese in the Church of Ireland located in western Ireland. It is in the ecclesiastical province of Armagh...
. - Richard Vickerman TaylorRichard Vickerman TaylorRichard Vickerman Taylor was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, on 10 October 1830, the son of John Taylor and his wife Ann Vickerman. He was married twice, first to Caroline Franks and then to Elizabeth Ann Knowles....
(b. 1830) - Assistant master, later priest and historian - Anthony VerityAnthony VerityAnthony Courtenay Froude Verity is an educationalist and classical scholar and was Master of Dulwich College from 1986 to 1995.-Early life:...
- Headmaster from 1976–86, went on to head Dulwich CollegeDulwich CollegeDulwich College is an independent school for boys in Dulwich, southeast London, England. The college was founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn, a successful Elizabethan actor, with the original purpose of educating 12 poor scholars as the foundation of "God's Gift". It currently has about 1,600 boys,...
External links
- The Grammar School at Leeds website
- GCSE and Value Added statistics from the Department for Education and Skills
- 16+ statistics from DfES
- History of Leeds Grammar School, including the full text of a number of books about the school
- The Leodiensian, No. 1 Vol. 1, October 1827