Our Values & Ethos
A Brief History
Testimonials
Good Schools Guide
Inspection Reports
Future Developments
Facilities
Environmental Awareness
At Leighton Park I felt the conviction that the staff would be committed to understanding my child's whole personality and to helping her develop her potential. Close Quote
A parent (Year 8)
Why Choose LP?
>
A Brief History

A Brief History

Leighton Park Old School 1894The education of young people has always been a priority for Quakers; from the late seventeenth century onwards, many were involved in establishing schools for their own children and others in need.

Leighton Park was opened in 1890, by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), as a public boarding school, with the specific aim of preparing academically able boys to enter university, to think for themselves and to develop self-reliance.

 

Date

Development
1890 Leighton Park opened with 4 boy boarders.
1920s 103 pupils, including 47 Quakers. Hospice (Health Centre) opened in 1923 (now Fryer house).
1930 The first day boarders arrived.
1940 - 1970 The school grew from 200 – 300. In 1962 Fryer House was opened.
1970s In 1972 The Hall and music centre were opened. In 1975 the first girls joined the Sixth Form.
1980s The age of entry was lowered to 11. In 1985 Fryer became the junior house for 35 pupils aged 11 -13. Sixth Form girls comprised 10% of the school roll. Land was sold to finance new houses, the extension of Fryer House, Astroturf, library, science and technology centre.
1990s In 1993 girls joined years 7 and 9. In 1998 the school roll was 340 with 40 pupils in Fryer house.
2000s In September 2004 a new dining facility, Oakview, was opened by Sir Steve Redgrave and the Caradon Sixth Form Centre opened in September 2006. In October 2006 work began on a new Maths block which opened Easter 2007. Since September 2000 the school roll has grown from 370 to 490. The school roll is planned to grow to a maximum of 510.


.