History of St Albans School:
(Photo: One of the oldest paintings of St Albans School Hertfordshire showing a teacher and student)
Opened in 948 – St Albans School was the first centre of education in Hertfordshire. Abbot Wulsin laid its foundation within the premises of St Albans Abbey. St Albans School has also been recognised as the first school in British history to accept students from all over the world without intentions to join any religion. St Albans School instantly gained a massive reputation in Hertfordshire which attracted hundreds of children and fellow students for graduate and post-graduation. Also, famous Norman scholars also embarked the education ship which also included renowned Abbot of St Albans, Geoffrey de Gorham. St Albans School became the only largest school in the British Isles of the 12th century.
20th Century Expansion:
With Successful education history of a thousand year – St Albans School was expanded in the 20th century due to increasing numbers in the pupil. Furthermore, the curriculum offered was also modified and enhanced to maintain the quality of education for incoming students. St Albans School had also undergone architectural changes which included the addition of classrooms to accommodate as many students as possible, new building blocks ‘Bridge of Sighs, 1928’ ‘Science Block, 1936’, ‘Teaching Block and New Gymnasium, 1955-56’, and ‘Open Air Theatre’. Apart from these, St Albans School added other buildings and housings time to time.
Old Albanians:
(Photo: Stephen Hawking (mouth open) is pictured to the right of the boy with glasses )
(Photo: William Cowper, 1st Earl of Cowper)
Old Albanians or OA is a club for former students who have been part of the St Albans School by any means with particular affiliation. The Old Albanians Club has several facilities and alumni members including the famous Stephen Hawking, John Ball, William Cowper (1st earl of Cowper), Pope Adrian IV and much more. Below are some of the renowned pupil from different centuries:
- 12th Century – Cardinal Boso, Nicholas Breakspear, Alexander Neckam
- 13th Century – Matthew Paris
- 14th Century – John Ball, William Grindcobbe, Richard of Wallingford
- 15th Century – John Whethamstede
- 16th Century – Walter Curle, Robert Wright
- 17th Century – Henry Blount, William Dobson, John Hill
- 18th Century – William Domville. Thomas Walsh
- 19th Century – Charles Woollam, Frank Toovey Lake, Aubrey George Spencer
- 20th Century – Paul Atkinson, Ian Grant, Philip Watson
St Albans School, Hertfordshire:
St Albans School has a rich history of education that indeed has distinguished the British heritage, tradition, and culture in so many unique ways. Today, St Albans School stands focused and determined to provide an excellent education system for today’s generation. There are hundreds of notable teachers present enlightening pupil with their extensive knowledge.
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