300 years
Churcher’s College Celebrates
From the Headmaster They say a person’s formative years are from aged nought to eight years old but I would contest that. By 18 I think I was just about getting there, by 21 I could claim to be fully fledged and now, well, probably now, I am slowly returning to some form of infancy...
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Richard Churcher’s legacy
Ever-stronger bonds
That school years have such an influence on young people and their future is of no doubt. Richard Churcher was convinced of that when he left £3,000 in his will to educate the poor of Petersfield in the 18th Century, and there is evidence aplenty as you read on in this or the other tercentenary brochures, of others whose future prospects have been so improved by their time at Churcher’s.
Whether someone needs assistance, or is able to offer it, or just have something to share, we are hoping that the 300th celebrations will provide the catalyst for ever-stronger bonds which will see Churcher’s College enjoy another 300 or more years to the benefit of its children, their parents and Petersfield, its home.
Of course the School has had to adapt and evolve along the way: from “ten or twelve boys” in a boarding school being taught the “mathematics of navigation”, there are now 1,200 boys and girls, who can call themselves Churcherians and legions more who bear the moniker ‘Old Churcherian’. All of them beneficiaries of the oasis that Richard Churcher created.
We have a catalogue of events to enjoy; the opening of a new Music School; the creation of Tercentenary Wood with every child from three to eighteen planting their own tree to contribute to a large native forest for the community of Petersfield to enjoy; a ‘path of benefaction’ and many more stopping off points on the journey through to a grand Summer Concert at the end of this academic year.
Celebrating community
An open invitation
This year 2022 will be a thank you to our founder but it is much more; it is a celebration of the community we enjoy and a reinforcement of our values and ethos part of which is very much about our place in and contribution to society.
Can I encourage you that this tercentenary year party is not one which you want to spend in the proverbial kitchen? There will be so many opportunities to be involved, make sure you do so because, if there is one thing that history has taught us, it is that when you do get involved, as Richard Churcher did, you can have such an impact and influence on so many, over such a long period of time, and to such good effect .
As with any birthday celebration, we had to think about the invite list and we decided that it just had to be everyone, we had to engage the whole school community with the celebrations. The past, the present and, if possible, the future; the young and older; children, parents and staff past and present; but also, and most importantly, the community in which the School has thrived for these last 300 years, the people and town of Petersfield.
Enjoy the birthday celebrations because you are very much invited to the party! Simon Williams Headmaster
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Our beginnings
The gift of education Churcher’s College was established in 1722 with a generous bequest of £3,000 from Richard Churcher in his will to provide an education for ten or twelve boys from Petersfield in the arts of writing, arithmetic and the mathematics of navigation.
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Churcher’s today
A lot has happened in three hundred years… Our pupil intake has grown from ten or twelve boys aged from nine to fourteen to over 1,200 girls and boys aged from three to eighteen. The School site has moved from College Street to Ramshill in Petersfield and we now have a Junior School in nearby Liphook. The School’s status has changed from independence to a selective school maintained by the Local Education Authority and back to independence again.
Celebrating 300 years... 1722- 2022
1722
1729
1730
Richard Churcher’s Will
First Headmaster
Old College Opened
Includes a generous bequest to create a school to educate ten or twelve boys in writing, arithmetic and navigation.
Mr Charles Eade is the first appointed Master of the College.
The first intake of nine boys begin their education.
1881
1905
A New Building on Ramshill Site
Officers’ Training Corps (OTC)
The Churcherian
The land was given by William Nicholson MP, English gin distiller, Liberal Party politician and first-class cricket player.
The Volunteer Corps becomes OTC.
First edition of the School magazine introduced by ‘Bill’ Hoggarth, who later became Headmaster in 1927.
1913
1920
1929
1932
House System Introduced
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Heath Harrison House
Reflecting naval history, the Houses are named after Drake, Rodney, Nelson and Grenville, with Collingwood added later.
The River Rother was used until the opening of the open air, unheated pool.
Generously given to the School. Initially a preparatory school until 1946.
1949
1959
1966
Education Act
Ramshill House
New Gymnasium Complete
Churcher’s becomes a Voluntary Aided school following the Education Act of 1944.
Initially a senior boarding house, from 1989 the heart of the Sixth Form Centre.
A new long-awaited sports facility is added to the School.
1935
1946
1949
School Captains’ Inaugural Visit to Richard Churcher’s Grave
Iolanthe and H.M.S. Pinafore
Memorial Field
The annual visit of the Captains of College to Funtington begins.
Introduction of Gilbert & Sullivan and drama productions by the new Headmaster, George Schofield.
To honour the fallen, a patch of land was purchased by Old Churcherians and named Memorial Field.
1979
1979
1990
Independent School
First Girls Admitted
New College
The move from a voluntary aided grammar school.
Initially into the Sixth Form and then throughout the School.
A new set of teaching classrooms fit for a growing school.
1992
1992
1998
Sports Hall
Moreton House
Boarding Ends
The Sports Hall was added to the School complex with financial support from the parent body.
The acquisition of an existing school in The Spain, Petersfield, established Churcher’s College Junior School.
Now a co-educational, independent day school.
2015
2016
2017
Churcher’s Wins NatWest Schools Cup U18 Vase
United World Schools Opens Mude School in Nepal
The Nursery
The First XV win this national rugby competition with the final held at Twickenham.
A year after pledging our support, the School opens for the children of Mude. Fundraising support continues today.
The new Nursery opens on the Junior School campus in Liphook, welcoming children from two years nine months.
2000
2004
2010
Science Block Opened
The Junior School Moves to Liphook
The Gallagher Swimming Pool
In 2012 one further floor was added for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
A new, larger home for an expanding school.
Designed by architect and Chair of Governors, Michael Gallagher, a new indoor heated pool.
2018
2019
2021
New War Memorial
Petersfield Heath Path Complete
The New Music School and Goodfield D&T Building
To honour the fallen, the new war memorial is opened to commemorate the centenary of the end of WW1.
After seven consecutive years of work by Churcher’s pupils, the path around the pond on the Heath was completed for the whole community to enjoy.
The largest new building yet, offering 2,500m2 of new teaching space for pupils.
Our community Today, the Churcher’s community stretches far and wide - current and former pupils, parents, staff and governors, local community organisations and the residents of Petersfield and the surrounding area. We understand the important role we must play with our local community and do whatever we can to provide support and share the resources that we have. This approach is very much one of partnership, not patronage, where all parties can benefit from working together.
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“Churcher’s is central to the community of Petersfield and its civic and cultural life.”
The heart of the community “It’s a pleasure to be a chaplain at Churcher’s College. When I go into school for an assembly, confirmation class or a lesson I know I’m going to be asked deep questions by students interested in exploring the answers. When the School comes into church for a concert I know it’s going to be a memorable occasion, and I’ve been moved to tears more than once in the carol service. The School is at the heart of the town’s annual act of remembrance, which is one of many examples of the package Churcher’s brings to any event - careful and imaginative planning, the grounds and tech team setting up carefully and early, readers and musicians prepared and committed, and everyone ready to give more than is asked of them to make it perfect.
Churcher’s is embedded at the heart of the community of Petersfield and its civic and cultural life. It’s ethos ripples out across the town and beyond. Churcher’s staff always seem to have time to think of new, exciting ideas, and to make them a reality - the fundraising to get the church chimes going again is a good example. It’s a school which believes in itself without pride, and in its pupils without complacency.” Rev’d Canon Will Hughes Current parent Chaplain
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“Between April and August 2020, over 4,000 meals were delivered by volunteers to Age Concern and HomeStart families.”
Special delivery “As soon as lockdown hit and the School closed, the Churcher’s catering team swung to action and the food within kitchen stores fridges and freezers was immediately put to good use. Between April and August 2020, over 4,000 meals were delivered by volunteers to Age Concern and HomeStart families across Petersfield and surrounding villages.
What makes this special is that the whole idea came from the catering team, who then worked two to three days every week as volunteers to make it happen, in a demonstration of rapid and effective community action.” Robert Ingram Former parent Volunteer
“The generosity of the College with its facilities is second-to-none.” Expanding horizons “It was my privilege to reach out to Churcher’s College when I first arrived at Herne Junior School in 2006, as our school needed to establish links with our community and Churcher’s was one of the obvious first steps, as we are next door. I met with the Headmaster, Simon Williams, who has been a huge supporter of the children in our school.
We now have regular links with Sixth Form students, who help our most able junior children to expand their horizons. This link continued remotely throughout the pandemic, thanks to the enthusiasm of some of our ex-pupils who went on to Churcher’s. The generosity of the College with its facilities is second-to-none and we are so proud to have the support of this amazing educational establishment.” Tony Markham Headteacher Petersfield
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Support and mentorship “Before I joined Churcher’s at 16, I experienced the common challenge of ‘not quite fitting in’. Churcher’s helped me by allowing me to be all that I was; a keen mathematician; a physicist; a historian; a singer. I discovered I could be clever, have friends and be valued at the same time. This acceptance of the diversity of gifts is something that started to shape me into who I am today. I now volunteer for the School by supporting career pathways, including interview guidance, giving talks and offering mentoring. The least I can do is give back to the place that reminded me it was ok to be everything you are.” Cassandra Rix (94) Foundationer Current parent Volunteer
“The least I can do is give back to the place that reminded me it was ok to be everything you are.”
The freedom to grow “It is rare that any day goes by without the genesis of my approach to problem solving and leadership having some root back in the time I was at school. I didn’t find all subjects a natural fit... few pupils do. But I felt privileged to have had the benefit of Design & Technology, amazing Science, Sport and CCF and importantly the freedom to grow, guided by teachers and a system who really cared. Leaving school, as I had always planned to do, I joined the Royal Marines as an Officer, I served all over the Globe and retired on medical grounds in 2013. Since then I’ve continued to grasp life’s opportunities,
so really no change from the lad who found himself happily combining those things as a school boy. Churcher’s helped guide me to find the things I enjoyed and provided a platform for those skills and opportunities to be grown and explored. And to the things I never grasped... so be it... It turns out there is a significant life skill called ‘resilience’ that is only strengthened by endeavour. Churcher’s gave a significant slice of this to me and its stood by me through life so far.” Jim Bonney (96) Volunteer
Inclusiveness “There is an intangible dimension to a Churchers’ education which lies beyond academic and sporting achievement and is perhaps the most lasting legacy of Richard Churcher. From my own experience as a boarder in the 70s, to that of my two daughters more recently, I have always been aware of an unusual element of inclusiveness and community that pricks the bubble of privilege and prepares young people for the challenges of the real world.” Mike Salmon (76) Former parent Volunteer
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“It’s my hope that no one ever turns down a place at Churcher’s because they cannot afford to attend.”
An opportunity to learn “We have had children at Churcher’s since 2006, experiencing the School from Reception through to Upper Sixth. The breadth of what is on offer, from the subjects they studied, music, sport, drama and outdoor adventure, is one of the reasons that makes Churcher’s special - the ability to suit and include all. And who would have thought, through volunteering for the DofE and OSCA programmes, I would also have had the opportunity to learn so much and feel part of the school community? Our children have become well rounded young adults. They have learnt, made friends, laughed and grown in confidence throughout their school journey and so have I.” Amanda Sandberg Current parent Volunteer
Philanthropy in education “It’s a privilege to be part of the Churcher’s community: born from a generous legacy nearly 300 years ago and one that I hope will continue for many years to come. During my time on the Board, it’s been a passion of mine to champion The Richard Churcher Foundation where I have met a great many parents and Old Churcherians who have generously donated funds and bequeathed legacies for bursaries. It’s my hope that no one ever turns down a place at Churcher’s because they cannot afford to attend.” Cindy Herraman-Stowers Former parent Governor
300th anniversary We want to engage the whole school community with the celebrations of the 300th anniversary of Churcher’s College, recognising the past, where it is today and taking inspiration for the future.
1722 - 2022
This is a unique milestone, one for us all to celebrate.
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Get involved
A wide range of exciting events and activities have been planned which we hope will give people the inspiration and motivation to get involved. Attend events For pupils, parents, alumni and our wider community. Share your stories Send us stories about your experiences at Churcher’s or your own 300th celebrations which we can share with the community. Support the Richard Churcher Foundation Help us raise funds to provide bursary awards to families whose children would otherwise be unable to benefit from a Churcher’s education. For further information Keep up to date with news and plans for the 300th anniversary celebrations at: Community.ChurchersCollege.com /pages/300thAnniversary
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Stay in touch Contact us if you have any questions.
Reach out to the Development Office at community@churcherscollege.com or by calling 01730 236 833. Community.ChurchersCollege.com @ChurchersAlumni
Churcher’s College, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 10813349 and registered charity number 1173833.