Grantham Grammar School

The King's School, is an English educational institution in Grantham, Lincolnshire with an unbroken history on the same site since the date of its endowment as one of the last acts of Bishop Richard Fox, in 1528. Fox was a local boy who rose owing to his position as secretary to Henry, Earl of Richmond, while he was in exile in Brittany, prior to the famous events of the Battle of Bosworth which led to Henry's capturing the throne as Henry VII. Ultimately, Bishop Fox also founded Taunton Grammar School.

Famous names

The heyday for King's probably came in the 17th century, with alumni including the 'Cambridge Platonist', Henry More, Poet Laureate Colley Cibber, and the outstanding Sir Isaac Newton, not to mention successful 18th Century mathematician, John Newcombe. Previously the most notable old boy had been William Cecil, Lord Burghley, whose family seat survives in the grand Burghley House in Cambridgeshire, near Stamford in Lincolnshire. Burghley became Principal Secretary to Queen Elizabeth I. In the 17th Century, Newton, as was customary in his time, carved his signature on the wall of what is today's school library. Visitors from around the world have come and viewed this landmark evidence of Newton's education, a replica of which is on display in the town museum.

A small school of perhaps a few dozen scholars at this period, it remained fewer than one hundred strong until the 20th century, and its reputation did not grow as that of other similar schools grew, as they outpaced it. The most notable recent pupils would probably be the WWI fighter ace Albert Ball VC DSO and MC two bars (1896-1917) and J.W. Wand, Bishop of London from 1945 to 1956.

Today

Now a school of slightly fewer than 1000 boys, it is unusual in that it remains a selective state grammar school, as it has been since the 1944 Education Act was implemented, and despite modern development on the town centre site, retains many buildings dating from Newton's time and before. The school adheres to long-held traditions, requiring sixth form (years twelve and thirteen of study) students still to wear their uniforms, the denotion of lower/senior school status and the award of "Colours" (for academic and sporting achievement) by colour of tie and blazer, and an effective prefect system to assist teachers in maintaining school discipline.

The School's students are each allocated to one of six houses: Burghley, Curteis, Foxe, More, Newton, or School. Five of them are dedicated to important former benefactors or students of the school. School House was originally for boys residing in the boarding house, which closed a few years ago.

Sport

The School has a long history of participation in Rugby union football, cricket and association football. Since the early 1980s, it has also excelled in water polo and has contributed large numbers of players at local, regional, national and international schools level. Every few years, The King's School goes on a Barbados cricket tour in exchange for a scholarship of a West Indian boy.

Social and business links

There is also an equivalent girls' grammar school in the town, Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School (KGGS, or simply KG), and also a secondary modern school for girls, The Walton Girls' School as well as several other secondary schools in the town.

The two grammar schools traditionally share resources during the sixth form with students from both sides studying at the alternate school, in some cases, for certain subjects.

The School has recently been awarded 'Business and Enterprise College' status in partnership with another local school, The Grantham Church High School, which promises to benefit the students of both institutions.

Staff

The current Headmaster is Mr Stephen Howarth MA(Oxon) DipEd, with Deputy Headteachers Dr A Farmilo and Mrs J Phelan.

External links

The King's School, Grantham