OUR SCHOOL HISTORY

Since its foundation in 1725 by wealthy merchant Sir William Perkins, the school has always provided an aspirational learning environment at the heart of the local community in Chertsey. 

SWPS Timeline

1725 TO 2024 AND BEYOND

A black & white photo of students at Sir William Perkins's School in 1914

Sir William Perkins founded the School for 25 poor boys at 12 Windsor Street to educate the town’s children.

1736

The school was extended with a new building to offer free education and clothing to 25 poor girls.

1819

By 1819, educational needs had outgrown the Windsor Street premises and an endowment allowed the school to move to new premises on Guildford Road. 

A black & white photo of students at Sir William Perkins's School in 1914

Miss M Eastaugh becomes Head

1944

Sir William Perkins’s becomes one of the first direct-grant grammar schools in the country to educate girls.  

The House system was formed consisting of two houses; L (Latin) and P (Parallel)

 

1946

Miss M Sames becomes Head

1971

Miss B Timbrell becomes Head

A black & white photo of students at Sir William Perkins's School in 1914

Sir William Perkins’s School becomes fully independent as an educational foundation administered by trustees.

1982

Mrs A Darlow becomes Head

1984

The Brunner Building opens

1988

A new state of the art Sports Centre is built, along with new science labs added to the existing Science Centre.

1994

Miss S Ross becomes Head.  The Anne Darlow Sixth Form Centre is constructed.

2003

Sir William Perkins’s becomes a rowing school.

2006

New floodlit tennis and netball courts are added and a hockey astro pitch is constructed.

2007

Mrs SD Cook becomes Head. 

2014

Mr C Muller is appointed the first Headmaster of Sir William Perkins’s School. An additional fourth house is added and renamed after famous British women:  Lonsdale, Montagu, Pankhurst and Quant.

2015

As part of Sir William Perkin’s School masterplan a £4.1 million development creates a new main entrance, music hall, performing arts room, sports hall, fitness room and dance studio with sprung floors.

2016

The Atrium is connected to the existing dining hall, and a new Performing Arts wing is added including drama studios and music rehearsal and performance spaces.  The Sixth Form centre, with own outside terrace is added. The SWPS Boat Club at Laleham Reach was opened.

2017

The school uniform was changed to the present day attire

2023

Ms D Picton becomes Head

2025

The School celebrates its tricentennial

2026

Sir Williams Perkins’s to welcome boys again in September 2026.

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