Year of celebrations to mark school’s centenary

AN independent school in Henley is reflecting upon a year’s worth of centenary celebrations.

Rupert House in Bell Street marked 100 years since it was founded with a number of events across 2024, including school trips, dress-up days, parties, picnics and more.

The school is currently carrying its celebrations into 2025 with its “100 Faces” project, which aims to tell its story through the faces and experiences of past pupils, staff and alumni.

It has also launched an online shop featuring Rupert House items to commemorate the past 100 years, including mugs, umbrellas, gin, a teddy bear and its most popular item, a centenary hoodie.

The school, now home to about 210 pupils, began with just 10 students under the name St Joan’s and was originally located in New Street.

It was founded in 1924 by a Mr Grugeon, who lived in St Andrew’s Road with his three sons and wanted to provide them with a local education.

In 1930 the school moved to its current Grade II listed premises in Bell Street under Miss Hallett and Miss Verrall, who led it until 1944.

Miss Densham became headmistress in 1947, renaming it Rupert House to honour Prince Rupert of the Rhine, a commander in the Civil War and nephew of Charles I, whose crown appears on the school crest.

Prince Rupert, who later co-founded the Royal Society, had connections to Henley, having been based nearby during the Civil War.

One of the latest updates to the school’s story came in March last year when it announced that it would be joining the Wishford Education Group.

The school said this would better support its development plan, including a major facilities upgrade, than remaining a standalone
foundation.

The events to mark the milestone started on May 10 last year with a whole-school trip to Wellington Country Park where the pupils enjoyed a picnic lunch and animal petting.

The school also held a “Historical extravaganza” in which children and staff were encouraged to come to school dressed as famous figures from the past century.

Actor Robert Southworth, of Past Productions in Henley, dressed as Prince Rupert to tell the story of how the school got its name.

Four children won prizes for their outfits — Claudia Fennell, who was dressed as Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Freya Hodgkins (aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart), George Warner (Sir Steve Redgrave) and Benjamin Darvil (David Bowie).

Staff costumes included Jack Williams as Queen singer Freddie Mercury and Daniel Blades as adventurer Steve Irwin, complete with an alligator.

In an effort to incorporate the celebrations into the curriculum in June, the school held centenary-themed maths activities centred around the number 100 and an art competition to create a commemorative badge.

The winning design (pictured) was selected by head of art Nicki Poulter and was created by year 6 pupil Zara Maloney.

Her design was inspired by the school’s royal blue front door and was transformed into pin badges for prep children to wear on their blazers and keyrings for younger pupils to attach to their bookbags. In addition to events for pupils, a number of celebrations was held for the wider school community.

In June more than 60 alumni from the classes of 2018 to 2023 attended a party on the school lawn.

Guests reconnected with friends, explored classrooms and enjoyed a dance led by DJ and breakdancing teacher John Johnny.

The school also hosted drinks and nibbles at Leander Club during Henley Royal Regatta where pupils were joined by current and former parents, family members and staff.

One of the final celebrations of the year was a centenary ball which was held in the school grounds in September.

The event was open to current and former parents, staff and alumni over 18 and the evening featured a live band, a three-course meal and a charity auction.

During the ball, several photo albums documenting decades of the school’s history were on display, having been loaned by past pupils and staff.

The school is continuing to work on its “100 Faces” project and wants to hear from alumni who would like to contribute.

The project aims to document the school’s rich history through the stories and memories of its community members and currently has 17 entries.

Headteacher Nick Armitage, who was appointed in 2020, said: “It was really special to connect with former parents, pupils and staff.

“They brought all sorts of bits of history back with them with pictures and stories. It was really fascinating to hear their experiences. We heard from a 94-year-old lady who had been a pupil and remembered my office having been the headmistress’s bedroom.

“I've always said that you never really leave Rupert House and it was really special that these people have such a connection with the school still. They were so keen to hear how the school was doing and pleased to hear that we’re in great shape.

“What is really special is the sense of community here, which is something that struck me the first day I started.

“The school has obviously changed and evolved in different ways and people have come and gone but that sort of family ethos, that culture, hasn’t changed.”

Mr Armitage said that a celebration he had particularly enjoyed was the school’s annual picnic concert, which featured performances from children across the school. The event was expanded and held on the playing field instead of the school lawn.

He also enjoyed reading entries to the school’s 100 Faces project and said he was keen to hear from more members of the wider school
community.

“There are so many different perspectives and different times in the school’s history but all with their own anecdotes, stories and their funny moments,” said Mr Armitage. “It’s really lovely for us to be able to record those.

“We are are keen to continue to hear from people because they are very much a part of the community and our current pupils love hearing from the older generations about their experiences. It’s lovely for the children to hear what the school was like in their day.”

If you’re a former pupil, parent or staff member and have a story to share, you can email the school at office@ruperthouse.oxon.sch.uk