Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
Encyclopedia
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School (commonly shortened to Borlase or SWBGS) is a selective state grammar school
accepting girls and boys aged 11–18 located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
, England. It is situated on West Street, close to the town centre and also accepts students from nearby towns. It has around 1000 pupils, including a sixth form of about 380.
in memory of his son Henry Borlase
, MP for Marlow, who died in that year.
and Maidenhead
, for over three centuries. In 1987 the school became co-educational when girls entered into the lower sixth.
status as a Performing Arts College
, by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).
Recently there has been talk of application for humanities status as well. In September 2007, the school moved to a two week timetable, with five one hour periods a day, two before morning break, two after break, and one after lunch, in line with most other schools. This is to facilitate individualised learning.
room is housed in the original flint
building, which was unveiled in 1624. Since then the school has added a Victorian
cloister
, and an Edwardian era Chapel, which has gradually been added to over a period of about 40 years. These classrooms were until recently used to teach mathematics
.
In the 1970s further expansion occurred. A new school hall and several classrooms were built.
In the late 1980s a new sports gym was added, followed in 1992 by new modern languages facilities and library in a new building facing onto West Street.
In 2000, after the school started admitting Year 7s, the "Audrey Moore Building" (named after its chief benefactor) was built to house new classrooms, a sixth-form common room and a new canteen, replacing the old sports pavilion and canteen.
In 2004, as part of the school's bid for Arts Award status, a new performing arts theatre (to house facilities for music, drama and dance) was built on the site of the old swimming pool. The building also houses purpose-built IT labs and metal and woodwork facilities. It was opened on 7 December 2004 by HRH the Duke of Gloucester
. As a result of this building work, other space within the school was adjusted with a rolling programme, and a new style eatery called "Mimi's Café" was added, along with a new Sixth Form Centre. At the beginning of the 2006 Autumn term, the headmaster announced that the Library was to be renamed the "Learning Centre".
The school has a modern gym that houses resistance machines, free weights and cardiovascular equipment. This is used primarily for rowing, a sport that is popular at the school.
In 2009 the old "greenhouse" was replaced with a new building to house pupils' lockers.
At the end of the 2010 summer holidays the school started building a new cookery building on the area where the decking once stood.
is emblazoned on all school literature and on the school uniform. Originally, the Taillefer
s of Angoulême
had a crest of a ghostly hand emerging from a cloud. It is holding a badelaire to give one power in a struggle, be it sporting or academic. Behind this, on the background, can be seen eight stars.
Then, in the era of Henry VIII
, the addition of the other arm gripping a horseshoe (replacing the former sword) showed how one must rise above conflict, and work together to overcome an adversary.
It is also noted that there is a knight
s' visor above the logo. The one on which it was based can be found to this day, with the rest of the armour, in the Board Room at the school.
The motto
Te Digna Sequere means 'follow things worthy of thyself', and it was added in the Victorian era as an additional banner.
Grammar school
A grammar school is one of several different types of school in the history of education in the United Kingdom and some other English-speaking countries, originally a school teaching classical languages but more recently an academically-oriented secondary school.The original purpose of mediaeval...
accepting girls and boys aged 11–18 located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Marlow is a town and civil parish within Wycombe district in south Buckinghamshire, England...
, England. It is situated on West Street, close to the town centre and also accepts students from nearby towns. It has around 1000 pupils, including a sixth form of about 380.
Foundation
The School was founded on its present site in 1624 by Sir William BorlaseWilliam Borlase (died 1629)
Sir William Borlase was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1604 and 1614.Borlase was the son of John Borlase of Buckinghamshire. He matriculated at Magdalen College, Oxford on 17 November 1581, aged 17. He was a student of Gray's Inn in 1584, as of Little Marlow. In 1601...
in memory of his son Henry Borlase
Henry Borlase
Henry Borlase was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1621 and 1624.Borlase was the son of William Borlase of Marlow and Bockmore Buckinghamshire. He matriculated at Magdalen College, Oxford on 22 June 1604, aged 13. He was a student of the Middle Temple in 1607. In 1621,...
, MP for Marlow, who died in that year.
Sir William Borlase
Sir William Borlase was descended from Taillefer of Angouleme, who fought on the side of King William at the Battle of Hastings. John Borlase, his father made his fortune in London and this enabled his son to establish himself in Marlow as a country gentleman. He lived at Westhorpe Manor House in Little Marlow and became not only Sheriff of Buckinghamshire but was a Member of Parliament for Aylesbury. In 1603 he was knighted by James the First. In 1624 and in memory of his son Henry who died that same year, Sir William decided to build a "free school" in the town in order "to teach twenty-four poor children to write, read and cast accounts, such as their parents and friends are not able to maintain at school". Boys entered the school between the ages of ten and fourteen and at the end of two years, six of the best were given two pounds each to apprentice themselves to a trade. Sir William died in 1629 but the school has survived to this day.Co-education
The school has served the town of Marlow and its surrounding district, including High WycombeHigh Wycombe
High Wycombe , commonly known as Wycombe and formally called Chepping Wycombe or Chipping Wycombe until 1946,is a large town in Buckinghamshire, England. It is west-north-west of Charing Cross in London; this figure is engraved on the Corn Market building in the centre of the town...
and Maidenhead
Maidenhead
Maidenhead is a town and unparished area within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, in Berkshire, England. It lies on the River Thames and is situated west of Charing Cross in London.-History:...
, for over three centuries. In 1987 the school became co-educational when girls entered into the lower sixth.
Specialist status
In September 2005 the school was awarded specialist schoolSpecialist school
The specialist schools programme was a UK government initiative which encouraged secondary schools in England to specialise in certain areas of the curriculum to boost achievement. The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust was responsible for the delivery of the programme...
status as a Performing Arts College
Arts College
Arts Colleges were introduced in 1997 as part of the now defunct Specialist Schools Programme in the United Kingdom. The system enabled secondary schools to specialise in certain fields, in this case, the performing, visual and/or media arts...
, by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).
Recently there has been talk of application for humanities status as well. In September 2007, the school moved to a two week timetable, with five one hour periods a day, two before morning break, two after break, and one after lunch, in line with most other schools. This is to facilitate individualised learning.
Headteachers
- 1881 – 1895 Rev M. Graves
- 1896 – 1901 E. W. Clarke
- 1901 – 1904 E. H. Blakeney
- 1904 – 1927 Rev A. J. Skinner
- 1927 – 1956 W. S. Booth
- 1956 – 1974 E. M. Hazelton
- 1974 – 1988 R. R. Smith
- 1988 – 1988 D. C. W. Banner
- 1989 – 1997 L. A. Smy
- 1997 – 1998 Mrs A. Crittenden
- 1998 – Date Dr. P. Holding
Physical Layout
The school has a collection of facilities of varying vintages. The school office and reprographicsReprography
Reprography is the reproduction of graphics through mechanical or electrical means, such as photography or xerography. Reprography is commonly used in catalogs and archives, as well as in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries....
room is housed in the original flint
Flint
Flint is a hard, sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of the mineral quartz, categorized as a variety of chert. It occurs chiefly as nodules and masses in sedimentary rocks, such as chalks and limestones. Inside the nodule, flint is usually dark grey, black, green, white, or brown in colour, and...
building, which was unveiled in 1624. Since then the school has added a Victorian
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
cloister
Cloister
A cloister is a rectangular open space surrounded by covered walks or open galleries, with open arcades on the inner side, running along the walls of buildings and forming a quadrangle or garth...
, and an Edwardian era Chapel, which has gradually been added to over a period of about 40 years. These classrooms were until recently used to teach mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
.
In the 1970s further expansion occurred. A new school hall and several classrooms were built.
In the late 1980s a new sports gym was added, followed in 1992 by new modern languages facilities and library in a new building facing onto West Street.
In 2000, after the school started admitting Year 7s, the "Audrey Moore Building" (named after its chief benefactor) was built to house new classrooms, a sixth-form common room and a new canteen, replacing the old sports pavilion and canteen.
In 2004, as part of the school's bid for Arts Award status, a new performing arts theatre (to house facilities for music, drama and dance) was built on the site of the old swimming pool. The building also houses purpose-built IT labs and metal and woodwork facilities. It was opened on 7 December 2004 by HRH the Duke of Gloucester
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester is a member of the British Royal Family. Prince Richard is the youngest grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary. He has been Duke of Gloucester since his father's death in 1974. He is currently 20th in the line of succession...
. As a result of this building work, other space within the school was adjusted with a rolling programme, and a new style eatery called "Mimi's Café" was added, along with a new Sixth Form Centre. At the beginning of the 2006 Autumn term, the headmaster announced that the Library was to be renamed the "Learning Centre".
The school has a modern gym that houses resistance machines, free weights and cardiovascular equipment. This is used primarily for rowing, a sport that is popular at the school.
In 2009 the old "greenhouse" was replaced with a new building to house pupils' lockers.
At the end of the 2010 summer holidays the school started building a new cookery building on the area where the decking once stood.
Coat of arms
The school coat of armsCoat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
is emblazoned on all school literature and on the school uniform. Originally, the Taillefer
Taillefer
Taillefer was the surname of a Norman ioglere whose exact name and place of birth are unknown . He travelled to England during the Norman conquest of England of 1066, in the train of William the Conqueror...
s of Angoulême
Angoulême
-Main sights:In place of its ancient fortifications, Angoulême is encircled by boulevards above the old city walls, known as the Remparts, from which fine views may be obtained in all directions. Within the town the streets are often narrow. Apart from the cathedral and the hôtel de ville, the...
had a crest of a ghostly hand emerging from a cloud. It is holding a badelaire to give one power in a struggle, be it sporting or academic. Behind this, on the background, can be seen eight stars.
Then, in the era of Henry VIII
Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...
, the addition of the other arm gripping a horseshoe (replacing the former sword) showed how one must rise above conflict, and work together to overcome an adversary.
It is also noted that there is a knight
Knight
A knight was a member of a class of lower nobility in the High Middle Ages.By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior....
s' visor above the logo. The one on which it was based can be found to this day, with the rest of the armour, in the Board Room at the school.
The motto
Motto
A motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
Te Digna Sequere means 'follow things worthy of thyself', and it was added in the Victorian era as an additional banner.
Notable former pupils
- Bunny Allen – big game white hunter
- AW Cleeve Barr CBE – architect and Director of the National Building Agency from 1964–1977
- Prof Brian BondBrian BondBrian James Bond is a British military historian and professor emeritus of military history at King's College London.-Early life and education:...
– Professor of Military History at King's College LondonKing's College LondonKing's College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom and a constituent college of the federal University of London. King's has a claim to being the third oldest university in England, having been founded by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington in 1829, and...
from 1986–2001 and President of the British Commission for Military History from 1986–2006 - Keith BosleyKeith BosleyKeith Bosley is a British poet and language expert.Bosley was born in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, grew up in Maidenhead, Berkshire...
– prizewinning poet and translator - Prof Richard Britnell, Professor of History at the University of Durham from 1997–2003
- Sir Graham Burton CMG – Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 1990–1994, Ambassador to Indonesia from 1994–1997, and High Commissioner to Nigeria and Ambassador to BeninBeninBenin , officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in West Africa. It borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. Its small southern coastline on the Bight of Benin is where a majority of the population is located...
from 1997–2001 - Jeremy Cresswell CVO – High Commissioner to Jamaica and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas since 2005
- Tony Culyer CBE – health economist, professor and deputy vice-chancellor at York (UK) and professor at University of Toronto.
- Paul DanemanPaul DanemanPaul Daneman was an English film, television, theatre and voice actor.Paul Frederick Daneman was born in Islington, London. He attended the Haberdashers' Aske's School and Sir William Borlase's Grammar School in Marlow and studied stage design at Reading University where he joined the dramatic...
– actor - Tom GuestTom GuestTom Guest is a rugby union player for Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership, playing primarily as a Number 8...
– Harlequins rugby union player - Reginald Hobden DFC – High Commissioner to LesothoLesothoLesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name...
from 1976–1978 - Lieutenant B. A. HorsfallBasil Arthur HorsfallSecond Lieutenant Basil Arthur Horsfall, VC was a British-Ceylonese recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Early life:Born on 4 October 1887 in Colombo, Ceylon , Horsfall...
– recipient of the Victoria CrossVictoria CrossThe Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.... - Tim JanmanTim JanmanTimothy Simon Janman is a former Conservative Party politician in England. He was Member of Parliament for Thurrock in Essex from 1987 to 1992, when he lost to the Labour Party candidate.-Early years:...
– Conservative MP for ThurrockThurrock (UK Parliament constituency)Thurrock is a parliamentary constituency 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.- Boundaries :...
from 1987–1992 - Sir Arthur Kirby – Chairman of the British Transport Docks BoardBritish Transport Docks BoardThe British Transport Docks Board was a nationalised industry, managing former railway-owned docks in Great Britain. It was created by the Transport Act 1962 and abolished by the Transport Act 1981, which provided for its privatisation as Associated British Ports.The business had its origins in...
from 1963-7 and the National Ports Council from 1967–1971 - Ben McGrail – Sony Radio Academy Award winning radio broadcaster
- Danny QuahDanny QuahDanny Quah is Professor of Economics and Co-Director LSE Global Governance at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is currently Council Member on Malaysia's National Economic Advisory Council, Consultant for Bank of England, World Bank, and Monetary Authority of Singapore...
– economist - Alf MilwardAlf MilwardAlfred Weatherell Milward was a professional footballer who played in the 1893 and 1897 FA Cup Finals for Everton and in the 1900 FA Cup Final for Southampton.-Playing career:...
– Everton and England footballer - Maj-GenMajor-General (United Kingdom)Major general is a senior rank in the British Army. Since 1996 the highest position within the Royal Marines is the Commandant General Royal Marines who holds the rank of major general...
Dennis Ryan CB – Director of Army Education from 1984-7, and Commandant of the Royal Army Educational CorpsRoyal Army Educational CorpsThe Royal Army Educational Corps was a corps of the British Army tasked with educating and instructing personnel in a diverse range of skills...
(RAEC) from 1990–1992 - Michael Acton Smith, Chief Executive of Mind CandyMind CandyMind Candy is a British entertainment company, formed in 2003 by UK internet entrepreneur Michael Acton Smith, and based in Shoreditch, London, England...
- Ken Snakehips JohnsonKen Snakehips JohnsonKen 'Snakehips' Johnson was a jazz band leader and dancer.Born Kenrick Reginald Hymans Johnson, and originally from British Guiana, Johnson's parents sent him to the UK at the age of 15, where he attended Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, before studying medicine at Edinburgh University...
– bandleader, jazz artist - Garry WestonGarry WestonGarfield "Garry" Howard Weston, CBE was a Canadian-born businessman in the United Kingdom. Born in Toronto, Ontario, he was the son of Reta and W. Garfield Weston, owner of the George Weston Limited conglomerate headquartered in Toronto: fourth of their nine children...
– inventor of Wagon WheelsWagon WheelsWagon Wheels are a snack food sold in Australia, Canada, Iran, United Kingdom, Russia, Malta and the Republic of Ireland. They are biscuits topped with marshmallow and covered in a chocolate flavoured coating. The biscuit itself is round to represent the wheel of a wagon .Wagon Wheels were created...
and Chief Executive of Associated British FoodsAssociated British FoodsAssociated British Foods plc is a global food, ingredients and retail company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Its ingredients division is the world's second largest producer of both sugar and baker's yeast and a major producer of other ingredients including emulsifiers, enzymes and lactose...
from 1969–99, and father of George G. WestonGeorge G. WestonGeorge Garfield Weston is a British businessman. He is a son of Garry Weston. He is Chief Executive of Associated British Foods, a role for which he is paid an annual salary of £825,000.-Early life:...
, the current CEO - Dr George WoodcockGeorge WoodcockGeorge Woodcock was a Canadian writer of political biography and history, an anarchist thinker, an essayist and literary critic. He was also a poet, and published several volumes of travel writing. He founded in 1959 the journal Canadian Literature, the first academic journal specifically...
, Canadian writer - Dr. Paul Hawkins – co-inventor of the Hawk-EyeHawk-EyeHawk-Eye is a complex computer system used in cricket, tennis and other sports to visually track the trajectory of the ball and display a record of its most statistically likely path as a moving image. In cricket and tennis, it is now part of the adjudication process. It was developed by engineers...
ball tracking system now used in a number of sports - Dr. Philip LeePhillip Lee (politician)Dr Phillip James Lee is a British Conservative Party politician. He has been the Member of Parliament for Bracknell since winning the seat at the 2010 United Kingdom general election.-Early life and career:...
– Conservative MP for Bracknell 2010–present - Fraser T. SmithFraser T. SmithFraser T. Smith is an English record producer, songwriter, mix engineer and guitarist....
- Record Producer and Songwiter - Simon DuttonSimon DuttonSimon Dutton is a British actor, best known for playing the title role of Simon Templar in a series of Australian-produced television films in 1989. In 2007, he joined the cast of British sitcom Not Going Out as recurring character Guy, but was written out at the end of season 2.Dutton was...
Actor, best known for playing the title role of Simon Templar (alias The Saint) in a series of Australian-produced television films in 1989.