450th Anniversary
26 Feb 2010
One of the country’s most outstanding independent schools has posted its intentions for a memorable 450th anniversary year.
Solihull School, founded in 1560, has announced the landmark on a billboard in the town centre to launch an exciting year of events for pupils, parents and the public.
These include a major anniversary exhibition at Solihull Library and the publication of a new history of the school by former teacher John Loynton this summer.
Founded as a free grammar school to teach the sons of Solihull residents English, Latin and Greek free of charge, Solihull School began life in a school room that once stood by St Alphege Church in Solihull town centre.
The school moved to a larger building later known as Malvern House in the late 16th Century before moving to its present 50-acre site at Warwick Road in 1882.
Its fine academic reputation attracted the likes of the great 18th century poets Richard Jago and William Shenstone as pupils.
Samuel Johnson, later to become the famous Dr Johnson, was also impressed enough to apply for a headship – but was turned down as unsuitable.
Well-known former pupils include the BBC newsreader Michael Buerk, Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond and Radio 5 Live presenter Simon Mayo.
The school’s most spectacular developments have take place in the past 25 years with the opening of a new sports hall and pavilion, theatre and outside pursuits centre, as well as new classrooms, a rebuilt junior school and a new music school.
Among its most momentous changes has been the ending of Saturday school in 1976 and of boarding in 1986, and the launch of full co-education in 2005.
The school’s 400th anniversary in 1960 saw the opening of its chapel, the organ of which has helped to train pupils who have become world-leading organists.
Headmaster Phillip Griffiths said: “Having served the local community for 450 years, Solihull School prides itself on its rich heritage and tradition as well as on being forward-thinking, which has enabled our boys and girls to achieve their potential in a caring and supportive environment. Even throughout the recession the school has continued to prosper and I believe it will continue to do so.”
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