Ever found yourself enchanted by the mystery behind our school name, LEH? Who exactly is the enigmatic Lady Eleanor Holles, and what captivating legacy does she bestow upon our institution?
Join us in this captivating article and prepare to be entangled in a tale of intrigue and inspiration as we unravel the captivating history of our esteemed sister school, Lady Eleanor Holles School in London (LEH London), where education excellence has flourished for over 300 years. Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the annals of time, where the indomitable spirit of Lady Eleanor Holles continues to inspire and empower young minds. This is the story of resilience, wisdom, and the boundless power of education.
Lady Eleanor Holles School is a top independent school in London, UK. The school was founded in 1710, making it one of the oldest girls' schools in the UK. Chosen as Independent Girls' School of the Year at the Independent School Awards, LEH London is a remarkable school. It is a school where students successfully combine impressive intellectual endeavour with enthusiastic engagement well beyond academia. Their exam results and their sporting achievements are among the best in the UK. Their musical and dramatic activities place them among the best of young performers.
The history of LEH London began in 1710 on Redcross Street in the parish of St Giles, in the Cripplegate Ward of the City of London. Lady Eleanor Holles, the sixth daughter of John Holles, 2nd Earl of Clare, instructed her cousin and Executrix, The Honourable Anne Watson, to use her money to set up the school. It started with 50 poor girls in ages between 8 and 12 and was originally known as "The Lady Holles' Charity School".
In 1832 the school moved to its own purpose-built premises on a larger site further down Redcross Street. By then, the number of girls had doubled to 100, although there was still just one schoolroom, and the girls were taught using the monitorial system. In 1853, the trustees became (and remain to this day) accountable to the Charity Commission. The premises were extended several times to add an Infant school in 1858, then an Industrial school in 1867.
Under the Endowed Schools Act of 1869, the Charity Commission proposed to the Trustees of Lady Holles’Charity that, as well as running the elementary school in Redcross Street, they should also establish a school for middle class girls up to the age of 16. In 1878, the middle school opened in a new building built for 264 pupils between the ages of 8 and 16 at 182 Mare Street in Hackney.
In 1936 the school moved to a new location. The buildings were designed in the shape of an E by Colonel FS Hammond, whose father had designed the Hackney school, and were opened on 7 December 1937 by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester. The Hackney motto of Diligentia Praevelabit (Diligence will prevail) was replaced with the more inspiring Holles family motto Spes Audacem Adjuvat (‘Hope favours the bold’).
The Butler Education Act 1944, with the promise of free secondary education, forced the governors to decide between continuing as a direct grant grammar school and accepting half the pupils from the County Council on a non-selective basis, or to become an Independent Girls Public School with full autonomy. Full independence was achieved in 1946 when Mary Richards was Head Mistress. By then there were 531 pupils, including 27 boarders in Burlington House, a VI form of 50 and a junior department of 152.
Beginning in 1954 with the addition of new science laboratories, Ruth Garwood Scott embarked on an ambitious building programme to support and enhance the facilities of the school. The West wing of the school with facilities for arts, crafts and music; the Great Hall; the Peter Studd wing and the indoor swimming pool were all added during her headship. Additional land, known to pupils as Geard's Acre, was also purchased for more playing fields.
Elizabeth Candy took over Margaret Smalley, who had been at the school as Head of Music since 1954, and was Head Mistress from 1974-1981. Miss Candy, like Ruth Garwood Scott, was a reformer who would rule in a charismatic and magisterial style for 23 years. The academic standing of the school developed significantly under Liz Candy's leadership. Although she despised league tables, by 1998 LEH was ranked 11th among all schools in the country.
In the academic year 2011-12, the school celebrated its 300th anniversary with a series of events including a Service of Thanksgiving and Re-dedication at St Paul's Cathedral, London on 18th November 2011. The Learning Resources Centre was built to house the computers that had become the norm and the Arts Centre with 330-seat theatre, designed by Walters and Cohen and completed in 2013 won a RIBA London award.
Lady Eleanor Holles International School’s first sister school in China was founded in 2020 in Foshan to provide a British school education to the expatriate community in the GBA area, the first school in the city to do so. When full, LEH Foshan will educate 850 boys and girls aged 8-18, with both day and boarding options. Although LEH Foshan is an independent school, it is closely linked with Lady Eleanor Holles School in the UK and shares the same joyful approach to learning.
As we draw the curtains on this mesmerizing journey through the history of LEH education, we are reminded that greatness knows no boundaries. Lady Eleanor Holles' indomitable spirit, courage, and unwavering commitment to education continue to illuminate our path, guiding us towards excellence in all endeavours. Embracing her timeless values, we forge ahead with determination, nurturing future generations of leaders, thinkers, and pioneers.
As we continue to carry the torch of knowledge, we invite you to be part of this remarkable journey – a journey that celebrates the power of education and the boundless potential that lies within every young mind.
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