Rose Hill School
Encyclopedia
Rose Hill School is a British
Independent School
situated in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
. It is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools
. The school is co-educational.
in Surrey
. During World War II
, this second Rose Hill moved to Alderley House in the small village of Alderley
, near Wotton-under-Edge
in Gloucestershire
, and in 2009 it merged with Querns Westonbirt School to form Rose Hill Westonbirt School. In 1966, the original Rose Hill moved from London Road in Tunbridge Wells to a new site about a mile away. It is now a thriving and popular school for boys and girls from the age of 3 to 13 and enjoys outstanding, modern facilities on a beautiful seventeen acre site.
In 1924 the Old Rose Hillians’ Society was set up, and in 1929 the building of “The Scouter” on the Rose Hill lawn was completed. It became a famous landmark in Tunbridge Wells, attracting many curious onlookers, and was used for sea scout meetings and Sunday services until it was dismantled in 1950 to be replaced by a swimming pool.
In 1948 Jack Grange became Headmaster, whilst in 1966 Rose Hill moved to its new purpose built premises in Culverden Down. The old school was demolished to make way for housing.
In 1972, the School became a Charitable trust, and Mr David Jordan became Headmaster, with Mike Lenton as Joint Headmaster from 1973 until Lenton’s death in 1977. A new Art and Music block, the Lenton building, opened by Tunbridge Wells MP Sir Patrick Mayhew, was named in his honour.
In 1977 the Grange Rose Hill Educational Trust was formed, with Richard Grange appointed as a Governor. The school’s first Parents’ Association was formed.
In 1978 Julian Parker became Headmaster, and in 1979 a new Pre-Preparatory Department opened for four and five year old boys. In 1983 the first girls were admitted to the Pre-Prep department, and in 1984 boarding ceased after more than a century, with the dormitories converted into Science and Computer rooms.
In 1990, a new purpose built brick Pre-Prep building opened, and in 1996 a Nursery was formed.
Julian Parker died in 1997, whilst still in office, and was succeeded by David Westcombe in 1998.
Notable milestones in recent years have been a £500,000 Sports Hall which was opened by Tunbridge Wells MP Archie Norman
in 1998, and the Millennium Project – the £1.3million ‘Peter Smith Wing’, with Library, classrooms and changing rooms, and phase 2, The ‘Creative Arts Centre’ – a £2million Theatre and Music, Art and Design Technology Block.
and Scholarship entry to Independent Senior Schools but consideration is also given to competitive entry into local Grammar Schools at 11+. Small classes ensure individual attention and the fulfilment of academic challenge.
Within a secure environment, based on clear Christian principles, children are encouraged to meet new challenges with confidence.
Class sizes average 16 throughout the department and each class benefits from the support of a teaching assistant, facilitating opportunities for individual and small group work.
The children are introduced to Information and Communication Technology within the department and their skills are extended in the Prep School's ICT suites. French, PE and Music are taught by specialist teachers from the Prep School.
Close liaison with the Lower School ensures a smooth transition to Year 3.
Pastoral Care is primarily the responsibility of the Form Tutors. Achievement is recorded in a personalised Homework Diary which ensures weekly communication with parents. Reports at half-term and the end of term summarise effort and attainment.
National Curriculum
tests.
The curriculum is delivered by specialist subject teachers, ensuring high expectations and high standards of achievement.
Children are prepared for the transition between primary and secondary education. There are many opportunities for personal development through close pastoral care, leadership responsibilities and representing the school in a host of different activities.
Self-confidence and a sense of personal achievement are fostered.
Children are encouraged to experiment with a wide range of materials and work covers drawing, painting, printing, collage, pottery and three-dimensional design. Special talents are developed through art clubs with a view to future scholarship awards.
Music contributes to many areas of school life, including musical productions from Kindergarten up to Year 8 and an annual Carol Service. Regular concerts enable Pre-Prep children, Choirs, Orchestra, String Groups and Soloists to perform to parents. Visiting music specialists provide the opportunity for children to learn a musical instrument.
Drama is highly valued and every year there are productions from Pre-Prep, Lower School and Upper School. Classes perform Assemblies for parents and Drama is an integral part of the English curriculum.
Hockey, Soccer, Netball, Rugby, Cross-Country
Athletics, Cricket, Rounders, Swimming
Many children take part in lunchtime and after-school clubs. Among others, these include:
Cubs
, Rainbows and Brownies, Dance, Judo, Chess, Table Tennis, Art, Golf, Swimming, Indoor Cricket Nets, Tennis, Basketball, Badminton, Trampolining, Fitness and a range of team practices.
United 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...
Independent School
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...
situated in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Kent
Kent is a county in southeast England, and is one of the home counties. It borders East Sussex, Surrey and Greater London and has a defined boundary with Essex in the middle of the Thames Estuary. The ceremonial county boundaries of Kent include the shire county of Kent and the unitary borough of...
. It is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools
Independent Association of Preparatory Schools
The Independent Association of Preparatory Schools is a professional association for headteachers of independent preparatory schools in the UK and worldwide. The association is based in Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, England...
. The school is co-educational.
Summary
The School was founded in Tunbridge Wells in 1832. In 1906, a second 'Rose Hill', with links to the first, opened in BansteadBanstead
Banstead is a town in the borough of Reigate and Banstead in the county of Surrey, England, on the border with Greater London. It lies south of London, west of Croydon and of the county town of Kingston-Upon-Thames. Banstead is on the North Downs and is protected by the Metropolitan Green Belt;...
in Surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
. During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, this second Rose Hill moved to Alderley House in the small village of Alderley
Alderley, Gloucestershire
Alderley is a village and civil parish in the Stroud district of Gloucestershire, England, about fourteen miles southwest of Stroud and two miles south of Wotton-under-Edge. It lies underneath Winner Hill, between two brooks, the Ozleworth and Kilcott...
, near Wotton-under-Edge
Wotton-under-Edge
Wotton-under-Edge is a market town within the Stroud district of Gloucestershire, England. Located near the southern end of the Cotswolds, the Cotswold Way long-distance footpath passes through the town. Standing on the B4058 Wotton is about from the M5 motorway. The nearest railway station is...
in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is a county in South West England. The county comprises part of the Cotswold Hills, part of the flat fertile valley of the River Severn, and the entire Forest of Dean....
, and in 2009 it merged with Querns Westonbirt School to form Rose Hill Westonbirt School. In 1966, the original Rose Hill moved from London Road in Tunbridge Wells to a new site about a mile away. It is now a thriving and popular school for boys and girls from the age of 3 to 13 and enjoys outstanding, modern facilities on a beautiful seventeen acre site.
History
Rose Hill was founded in 1832 by Thomas Allfree, and started life in London Road, Tunbridge Wells. Originally advertised as a ‘classical school’, it prepared boys for the universities, public schools, and military and naval colleges. In 1868 Robert Baden-Powell entered Rose Hill as a pupil.In 1924 the Old Rose Hillians’ Society was set up, and in 1929 the building of “The Scouter” on the Rose Hill lawn was completed. It became a famous landmark in Tunbridge Wells, attracting many curious onlookers, and was used for sea scout meetings and Sunday services until it was dismantled in 1950 to be replaced by a swimming pool.
In 1948 Jack Grange became Headmaster, whilst in 1966 Rose Hill moved to its new purpose built premises in Culverden Down. The old school was demolished to make way for housing.
In 1972, the School became a Charitable trust, and Mr David Jordan became Headmaster, with Mike Lenton as Joint Headmaster from 1973 until Lenton’s death in 1977. A new Art and Music block, the Lenton building, opened by Tunbridge Wells MP Sir Patrick Mayhew, was named in his honour.
In 1977 the Grange Rose Hill Educational Trust was formed, with Richard Grange appointed as a Governor. The school’s first Parents’ Association was formed.
In 1978 Julian Parker became Headmaster, and in 1979 a new Pre-Preparatory Department opened for four and five year old boys. In 1983 the first girls were admitted to the Pre-Prep department, and in 1984 boarding ceased after more than a century, with the dormitories converted into Science and Computer rooms.
In 1990, a new purpose built brick Pre-Prep building opened, and in 1996 a Nursery was formed.
Julian Parker died in 1997, whilst still in office, and was succeeded by David Westcombe in 1998.
Notable milestones in recent years have been a £500,000 Sports Hall which was opened by Tunbridge Wells MP Archie Norman
Archie Norman
Archibald John Norman is a British businessman and politician. He is at present the only FTSE 100 chairman to have sat in the House of Commons. On 18 November 2009, Norman was announced as the new chairman of ITV plc...
in 1998, and the Millennium Project – the £1.3million ‘Peter Smith Wing’, with Library, classrooms and changing rooms, and phase 2, The ‘Creative Arts Centre’ – a £2million Theatre and Music, Art and Design Technology Block.
Today
The school is situated in seventeen acres of beautiful grounds adjacent to the green belt, but within five minutes of the centre of Tunbridge Wells. Children are prepared for Common EntranceCommon Entrance
Common Entrance Examinations are taken by some children in the UK as part of the admissions process for academically selective secondary schools at age 13 or 11. Most of the secondary schools that use Common Entrance for admission are public schools; most of the schools that routinely prepare...
and Scholarship entry to Independent Senior Schools but consideration is also given to competitive entry into local Grammar Schools at 11+. Small classes ensure individual attention and the fulfilment of academic challenge.
Within a secure environment, based on clear Christian principles, children are encouraged to meet new challenges with confidence.
Pre-Preparatory
The children benefit from a spacious, modern, purpose-built environment. They progress from the Kindergarten (where the sessions begin with five mornings per week) into full-time school at 4 plus.Class sizes average 16 throughout the department and each class benefits from the support of a teaching assistant, facilitating opportunities for individual and small group work.
The children are introduced to Information and Communication Technology within the department and their skills are extended in the Prep School's ICT suites. French, PE and Music are taught by specialist teachers from the Prep School.
Close liaison with the Lower School ensures a smooth transition to Year 3.
Lower School
The Lower School is housed in a modern, self-contained building within the Prep School. The children continue to enjoy class-based teaching but are increasingly taught by specialist teachers for Art, Information and Communication Technology, French, Music, Design Technology, PE and Games. Setting is introduced in order to cater for differing abilities.Pastoral Care is primarily the responsibility of the Form Tutors. Achievement is recorded in a personalised Homework Diary which ensures weekly communication with parents. Reports at half-term and the end of term summarise effort and attainment.
Upper School
Children are prepared for 13+ exams and Scholarships to Independent Schools, the 11+ examinations to Independent and selective Grammar Schools and Key Stage 2Key Stage 2
Key Stage 2 is the legal term for the four years of schooling in maintained schools in England and Wales normally known as Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6, when pupils are aged between 7 and 11. The term is applied differently in Northern Ireland where it refers to pupils in Year 5, Year 6 and...
National Curriculum
National Curriculum
The National Curriculum was introduced into England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a nationwide curriculum for primary and secondary state schools following the Education Reform Act 1988. Notwithstanding its name, it does not apply to independent schools, which may set their own curricula, but it...
tests.
The curriculum is delivered by specialist subject teachers, ensuring high expectations and high standards of achievement.
Children are prepared for the transition between primary and secondary education. There are many opportunities for personal development through close pastoral care, leadership responsibilities and representing the school in a host of different activities.
Self-confidence and a sense of personal achievement are fostered.
Creative arts
- Art
Children are encouraged to experiment with a wide range of materials and work covers drawing, painting, printing, collage, pottery and three-dimensional design. Special talents are developed through art clubs with a view to future scholarship awards.
- Music
Music contributes to many areas of school life, including musical productions from Kindergarten up to Year 8 and an annual Carol Service. Regular concerts enable Pre-Prep children, Choirs, Orchestra, String Groups and Soloists to perform to parents. Visiting music specialists provide the opportunity for children to learn a musical instrument.
- Drama
Drama is highly valued and every year there are productions from Pre-Prep, Lower School and Upper School. Classes perform Assemblies for parents and Drama is an integral part of the English curriculum.
Sport and activities
- Winter Sports
Hockey, Soccer, Netball, Rugby, Cross-Country
- Summer Sports
Athletics, Cricket, Rounders, Swimming
- Extra Curricular Activities
Many children take part in lunchtime and after-school clubs. Among others, these include:
Cubs
Cubs
Cubs may refer to:*Chicago Cubs, a baseball team of the National League of Major League Baseball**Iowa Cubs, a minor league baseball team of the Pacific Coast League**Daytona Cubs, a minor league baseball team of the Florida State League...
, Rainbows and Brownies, Dance, Judo, Chess, Table Tennis, Art, Golf, Swimming, Indoor Cricket Nets, Tennis, Basketball, Badminton, Trampolining, Fitness and a range of team practices.
Ongoing development
- Sports Hall – 1998
- New Kitchen & Dining Room – 1999
- Second Computer Suite – 2002
- New Classroom Block, Changing Rooms & Prep School Library – 2003
- Theatre & Creative Arts Centre – 2008
- Astroturf – 2010 due to delays