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St Albans School, Hertfordshire

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St Albans School, Hertfordshire
NameSt Albans School, Hertfordshire
Established948
TypePublic school, Day and boarding school
HeadN P Hammond
CitySt Albans
CountyHertfordshire
CountryEngland
PostcodeAL3 4HB
Urn117544
GenderBoys (with co-educational Sixth form)
Lower age11
Upper age18
Enrolment800
ColoursBlue and white
PublicationThe Albanian
Free label 1Former pupils
Free 1Old Albanian
Websitehttps://www.st-albans.herts.sch.uk/

St Albans School, Hertfordshire is a public school in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. Founded around 948 AD, it is one of the oldest schools in the world and has been located on its current site adjacent to St Albans Cathedral since the 19th century. The school educates around 800 boys aged 11–18, with a co-educational Sixth form, and maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence and a wide-ranging extracurricular programme.

History

The school's foundation is traditionally linked to Wulsin, the tenth-century Abbot of St Albans, with a charter possibly granted by King Æthelred the Unready. It was re-founded in 1549 following the Dissolution of the Monasteries under a charter from King Edward VI, a status commemorated in its Latin motto. For centuries, the school was closely associated with the Cathedral Chapter and operated from buildings within the abbey grounds. A significant move occurred in 1871 when, under Headmaster G. W. Lyttelton, it relocated to its present site, with key structures like the Great Hall designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The 20th century saw further expansion, including the admission of day boys and, in 1991, the introduction of girls into the Sixth form.

Campus and facilities

The school occupies a compact, historic site bordered by St Albans Cathedral, Abbey Mill Lane, and the River Ver. The core of the campus is the Victorian quadrangle, centred on the Great Hall and the School Chapel. Modern additions include the Marlborough building for science and mathematics, the Art and Design Technology Centre, and the Library and Resources Centre. Sporting facilities are extensive, with the main playing fields at Townsend Drive featuring rugby and cricket pitches, alongside a sports complex with a swimming pool, squash courts, and a climbing wall. The school also maintains the Old Albanian Sports Club at Woollams.

Academic profile

The school follows a selective entry process via the School's own entrance examination. Pupils study a broad curriculum leading to GCSE and A-Level examinations, with consistently high results placing it among the top-performing schools nationally. A strong emphasis is placed on STEM subjects, with many pupils proceeding to Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group universities. The Department for Education and ISI regularly award the highest ratings for academic achievement and pupil development.

Extracurricular activities

A wide array of activities complements academic study. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) has a strong presence, with sections for the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. Musical life is vibrant, centred on the School Choir which sings Evensong in the Cathedral, alongside orchestras, bands, and regular productions at the Abbey Theatre. Debating thrives through the School's Debating Society and participation in the English-Speaking Union competitions. Major sports include rugby, cricket, and rowing, with the boat house on the River Ver; pupils have competed at national levels and gained international honours.

Notable alumni

Known as Old Albanians, alumni have distinguished themselves across many fields. In politics and public service, notable figures include Stephen Hawking (though primarily known for science), former MP for St Albans Kerry Pollard, and Lord Chancellor Lord Salisbury. The creative arts are represented by actor Tim Roth, film director Mike Newell, and composer John Tavener. Science and exploration alumni include Antarctic explorer Sir Raymond Priestley and Nobel laureate Sir John Cornforth. In sport, former England rugby union captain Marlon Yarde and cricketer James Kirtley are among its products.

Governance and ethos

The school is governed by a Board of Governors and is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC). Its ethos is rooted in its Christian foundation and connection to St Albans Cathedral, with chapel services forming part of school life, while welcoming those of all faiths and none. The house system fosters community and competition, with houses named after historical benefactors like Gorham and Marlborough. The school motto, "Non nobis nati" (Born not for ourselves), underscores an emphasis on leadership, service, and contribution to the wider community.

Category:Public schools in Hertfordshire Category:Educational institutions established in the 10th century Category:1549 establishments in England