There are over 5,000 listed school buildings in England, and many of the most spectacular are to be found in the independent sector. Thalia Thompson looks at five of the most enchanting…
Whether they were designed as schools or were once grand country mansions, many places of learning offer a first-class education in some truly awe-inspiring surroundings.
When there are nationally important buildings or landscapes to maintain, schools cannot work alone. In fact, most of the ones featured here work with other heritage organisations to preserve their historic surroundings. In some cases, it is the National Trust or Landmark Trust, while in others a specific charity has been set up. At Stowe School, for example, the Capability Brown designed gardens are the responsibility of the National Trust, whereas the Stowe House Preservation Trust was created to undertake an ambitious restoration programme. These partnerships also allow for carefully managed public access. This never impinges on school life; open days are usually during school holidays and where it is more frequent ? for example Lancing Chapel (part of Lancing College in Sussex) is open almost every day and attracts 45,000 visitors a year ? the demarcation between public access and the school itself is very clear.
Stowe School, Buckinghamshire
J.F. Roxburgh, the school?s founding Headmaster, wanted the school to ensure every pupil would ?know beauty when he sees it all his life?, and this former country seat of t...