Stowe School
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| Stowe School | |
|---|---|
| Name | Stowe School |
| Motto | Persto et Praesto |
| Established | 1923 |
| Type | Independent boarding and day school |
| Head | Dr. Anthony Wallersteiner |
| City | Stowe, Buckinghamshire |
| Country | England |
| Campus | Stowe House |
| Publication | The Stoic |
| Website | https://www.stowe.co.uk/ |
Stowe School. It is an independent boarding and day school located in Stowe, Buckinghamshire, England. Founded in 1923 by J. F. Roxburgh, the school occupies the historic Stowe House and its extensive landscaped gardens, a site of immense architectural and cultural significance. Stowe is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and is known for its distinctive educational philosophy, blending academic rigour with a strong emphasis on character development and the arts.
History
The school was founded in 1923 by its first headmaster, J. F. Roxburgh, with the backing of prominent educational reformers including Lord Gage and funds from the St Mary Magdalene's Church, Oxford trust. It was established in the then-derelict Stowe House, a former seat of the Dukes of Buckingham and Chandos. The estate's famous gardens, shaped by landscape architects like Capability Brown and William Kent, became the school's grounds. Early growth was supported by figures such as Geoffrey Fisher, later Archbishop of Canterbury, and the school quickly gained a reputation for innovation, becoming fully co-educational in 2003.
Campus and architecture
The school's campus is centred on the Palladian Stowe House, designed by architects including Robert Adam and John Soane. The surrounding Stowe Landscape Gardens, a National Trust property, feature iconic garden buildings like the Temple of Concord and Victory and the Palladian Bridge. Key school facilities are housed in historic structures, such as the Roxburgh Hall, while modern additions include the Chandos Centre for design and technology. The South Lawn and the Gothic Temple serve as focal points for school events and activities.
Academic life
Stowe follows a broad curriculum leading to GCSE and A-Level examinations, with a notable strength in creative and performing arts. The school has a long association with the University of Cambridge, and many pupils proceed to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Durham University. Specialist teaching is enhanced by facilities like the Foster Library and the Grafton Science Centre. The academic programme is complemented by lectures from visiting figures, historically including the poet John Betjeman and the historian A. J. P. Taylor.
Co-curricular activities
The school offers an extensive activities programme, with particular renown in drama, music, and CCF training. Pupils regularly perform in the Stowe Theatre, housed in the original State Music Room, and musical ensembles tour internationally. Sports are played on the extensive grounds, with notable success in rugby union, cricket, and hockey, competing against schools like Eton College and Harrow School. The Stowe Polo Club is also active, and the school's Royal Geographical Society chapter undertakes regular expeditions.
Notable alumni
Known as Old Stoics, alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields. In politics and public service, they include former Prime Minister David Cameron, Secretary of State for Defence Sir Michael Fallon, and Governor of Gibraltar Sir David Steel. The arts are represented by actor Richard E. Grant, musician Bryce Dessner of The National, and film director Michael Winner. Other distinguished Old Stoics include explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, businessman Sir John Beckwith, and journalist Petroc Trelawny.
Governance and ethos
The school is governed by a Board of Governors and is part of the Stowe Group, which also includes Swanbourne House School. Its ethos, encapsulated by the motto "Persto et Praesto" ("I stand firm and I stand first"), emphasises individuality, responsibility, and service. This philosophy was championed by founding headmaster J. F. Roxburgh and continues under the leadership of the current Head, Dr. Anthony Wallersteiner. The school maintains close links with the National Trust and the local community in Buckinghamshire.
Category:Independent schools in Buckinghamshire Category:Boarding schools in England Category:Educational institutions established in 1923