Private School News

Staines Prep Celebrates 75th Anniversary

More than 200 past and present pupils, current and former staff members, parents and governors attended a weekend of celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of Staines Prep.

They shared memories and paid tribute to the school at festivities that began on Friday 7th May with a picnic on the lawn, highlighted by a balloon release.

The main event, an ‘open house’ on Saturday 8th, began with a delicious buffet luncheon prepared by Chartwells and followed with a welcoming address from Chairman of Governors Mike Bannister and Headmaster Peter Roberts.

Guests were later invited to tour the school while enjoying this rare opportunity to catch up with old friends and colleagues. An impressive display of photographs and memorabilia spanning the 75 years brought back many fond memories.

Among the guests was the much-respected, former Headmaster Peter Monger who flew in from Canada to attend the event. Mr Monger began his career as a teacher at the school in 1972. He served as headmaster from 1988 to 1998 before returning to teaching until his retirement in 2002.

Headmaster Peter Roberts, said: “It was wonderful to see so many generations of the Staines Prep family gathering together to share their stories. It was clear everyone had a great affection for the school and it was good for them to see how things have continued to develop since they were last here.”

Staines Preparatory School was founded in 1935 by Mr Burges and Miss Hanson, who later married. Miss Hanson was a well respected local figure and County Councillor for many years.

The scheduled opening of the school was delayed for two days, until Wednesday 8th May 1935, because Miss Hanson received a special invitation to attend the 6th May Silver Jubilee of King George V.

Originally Staines Prep was a boys’ school. When it opened there were just eleven pupils. It started to accept girls during World War II. It is now the longest-standing, co-educational, independent school in the area.

In 1987 Mrs Burges set up the Staines Preparatory School Trust to secure the school’s future. Today Staines Prep sees high numbers of grammar school entries and has a strong sporting tradition.