Lord Williams's School
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Lord Williams's School | |
 |
|
| Motto | Sic itur ad astra (thus the way to the stars) |
| Established | 1575 |
| Type | Voluntary controlled Comprehensive school |
| Headteacher | Mr David Wybron |
| Specialism | Sports College |
| Location | Thame Oxfordshire England  |
| LEA | Oxfordshire |
| Ofsted number | 123268 |
| Students | 2,100 approx. |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Ages | 11 to 18 |
| School colours | Maroon |
| Website | www.lordwilliams.oxon.sch.uk |
| Coordinates: | |
Lord Williams's School is a co-educational secondary school in Thame, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. It is a comprehensive school, which takes children from the age of 11 through to the age of 18. The school has approximately 2,100 pupils.
In September 2001 the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) designated the school as a specialist Sports College.[1]
David Wybron has been head of the school since September 2004 after taking over from Michael Spencer.
Recently the school, together with Thame leisure centre, opened a new astro-turf pitch. The official opening featured a team decathlon by the students, after which the ribbon was cut by the women's England hockey captain. The mayor of Thame was also present on the day.[citation needed]
Contents |
[edit] History
The school opened in 1575, having been founded at the bequest of John Williams, 1st Baron Williams de Thame, after his death in 1559. It became a comprehensive school in 1971 when it merged with Wenman School. For many years there were boarders at the school.
[edit] Boarding
Boys boarded at the school for over 400 years, firstly at the old school house in Thame then later moved around 1880 to Main House at the site of the current school. The boarders also used Greenacres and Highfield as houses for the older boys.
[edit] Uplands
Boys in need of a more structured education were taught in a separate house knows as Uplands. Uplands was run by an abrasive Texan called Mr Anderson.
[edit] Legends
It was said that George Plummer, a house master in the early 19th century murdered the Matron and disposed of her body in the vast Main House attic. It is said that once a year her ghost rings the old assembly bell which is on top of Main House which is no longer in daily use.
[edit] Drama Studio Fire
On the 30th of June 2007 a fire broke out at the drama studio of the Lower School campus of Lord Williams School.The emergency services received a 999 call at 9.42pm although it is currently believed the fire had started at 8.30pm.[2]
65 fire fighters from across the county were able to control the blaze and stop it from destroying a neighbouring building with fire fighters from Thame, Wheatley, Watlington and Slade Park, as well as teams from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue coming from Aylesbury, Brill, Princes Risborough and Waddesdon attending the blaze.[3]
The flames were said to be 60 to 70 feet high.
[edit] Causes
Originally it was believed that arson was the cause but an electrical fire was not ruled out. However a 23 year old man was detained and the later bailed by police in connection with the fire. On the 3rd of July 2007 two further suspects (Two men aged 23 and 14) were questioned by police over the blaze. They remain on bail till the 13th of August 2007.[4]
[edit] The Pheonix Project
In early 2008, a project began to raise up to £1m in order to replace the drama studio with a new, state of the art, drama and dance studio, including a box office and permanent seating for the popular Thame Youth Theatre, based at the studio.
[edit] Notable alumni
- William Basse, poet
- Simon Burnett, swimmer
- Johnnie Claes, musician and racing driver
- Thomas Ellwood, religious writer
- George Etherege, dramatist
- John Fell, clergyman
- Howard Goodall, musician and television presenter. Wrote the Blackadder theme tune
- Arthur Goodwin, politician
- John Hampden, politician
- Richard Ingoldsby soldier and regicide
- Henry King, poet and Bishop of Chichester
- William Lenthall, politician
- Shackerley Marmion, dramatist
- Simon Mayne, regicide
- Edward Pococke, Orientalist and biblical scholar
- Anthony Wood, antiquary
[edit] References
- ^ Specialist Schools Home. DfES. Retrieved on 2007-04-25.
- ^ Thame School Fire Was Arson!. ThameNews.net. Retrieved on 2007-07-02.
- ^ Police Investigate Fire At Thame School.. ThameNews.net. Retrieved on 2007-07-03.
- ^ Two More Arrests In Thame School Arson Attack.. ThameNews.net. Retrieved on 2007-07-04.
