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Ellesmere College
Ellesmere College
Ellesmere College
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Ellesmere College is a co-educational boarding and day school in the English public school tradition located in Shropshire, near the market town of Ellesmere.[1] Belonging to the Woodard Corporation, it was founded in 1884 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard.

Key Information

The Woodard Corporation is an Anglican educational charity which educates over 30,000 pupils across academy, private, and state-maintained schools.[citation needed]

The College consists of a Lower School (Years 3–8), a Middle School (Years 9–11) and a Sixth Form (Year 12–13) with A-Level, BTEC, and International Baccalaureate subjects.[citation needed]

History

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The College was founded in 1879 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard as a boys' school in association with the Church of England, with the 114-acre (46-hectare) land being provided by Lord Brownlow. Originally called St. Oswald's School, the building was designed by Richard Carpenter and Benjamin Ingelow, and the College opened on 5 August 1884 with 70 boys and four masters. The College-based itself on Anglo-Catholic values within a traditional public school framework, with the aim of providing education at a low cost for the sons of families with limited finances.[citation needed]

Despite the school's Christian foundation, there was no permanent chapel until 1926, and a temporary chapel operated in the crypt beneath the dining hall. In 1926, an official chapel was designed by Sir Aston Webb, but only the first portion was built in 1928. Modified plans were then drawn up in 1932 by Sir Charles Nicholson, and the building was completed in 1959. In 1966, the newly completed chapel and dining hall were then destroyed by a fire.[2] They were both reopened in 1969, and building work continued at the College throughout the 1970s, including new classrooms and additional boarding accommodation.[citation needed]

During World War II, the College stored a number of notable paintings from the Walker Art Gallery including Dante's Dream. Additionally, in 1978, the College became the location for the filming of Absolution, starring Richard Burton and was also the first film role for Billy Connolly, though the chapel scenes were filmed at Pinewood and Bradfield College.[citation needed]

Since 1980, the College has been home to a Schulze Organ, originally installed at St Mary's Parish Church, Tyne Dock.[3]

Coat of Arms

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Coat of arms of Ellesmere College
Notes
Granted 12 April 1954.[4]
Crest
On a wreath Or and Purpure, Standing on a Mount Vert a raven as in the Arms.
Escutcheon
Per chevron Purpure and Or, two celestial crowns fesswise of the last, in chief a cross flory also Gold, in base a raven Proper holding in the beak a golden annulet.
Motto
'Pro patria dimicans'

Arms were granted to "Saint Mary and Saint Nicholas Corporation Trustee" for the use of Ellesmere College on 12 April 1954, the cost of the grant being met by the Old Boys' Association. The grant is kept displayed in a case fastened to the wall of ante-chapel.[citation needed]

The blazon (heraldic description) means that the shield is divided per chevron, the upper part being purple (Purpure) and the lower part being gold (Or). The Celestial Crowns have eight points, five of which are conventionally shown in the illustration and each end in a star. They are "of the last" tincture mentioned, that is, gold, and are horizontally arranged (fesswise). At the top of the shield (In Chief), is a golden cross with each limb ending in a fleur-de-lis (Flory), and at the base of the shield is a raven in its natural colours (Proper) holding a golden ring (Annulet) in its beak. The wreath is the conventional representation of the twisted band of material that is the principal metal and colour of the shield, in this case, gold and purple, which was worn around the helmet and helped to bind the crest mantling to it. The mantling represents the cloth worn over the back of the helmet and body-armour to prevent overheating by the sun. The crest is a raven, as in the Arms, standing on a grassy mound.[citation needed]

The shield, crest and motto are all connected to the saintly King Oswald, to whom the School is dedicated and who fought a battle at nearby Oswestry. The Celestial Crowns represent Oswald's kingship and the heavenly crown gained by him; the cross stands for the cross which the king raised before his victory against the heathen Penda of Mercia at Heavenfield, ans for Oswald's saintly life. Purple and gold are royal colours, and the raven directly refers to the legend concerning Oswald's coronation, when the chrismatory was accidentally broken and a raven miraculously appeared with new oil, bearing in its beak a letter containing the assurance that the oil had been consecrated by St. Peter himself. The ring in the raven's beak refers to the story of Oswald sending the bird to a heathen princess whom he wished to convert and marry. This emblem is also used by the College Scout Group (by permission of the Headmaster and the Headquarters of the Boy Scouts' Association' as the Group emblem which is embroidered in black on the points of their scarves which are yellow bordered with purple. The motto, which may be translated as "Striving for One's Country", can also refer to Oswald's struggle to maintain the independence of Northumbria against heathen aggression. The motto was likely chosen by the School's first Custos, Sir Offley Wakeman.[citation needed]

Boarding

[edit]

The school has seven boarding houses. There are two boarding houses dedicated to Middle School boys; St. Cuthbert's and St. Patrick's. St. Aidan's is a boarding house for Middle School girls. There are two Sixth Form boys boarding houses; St. Bede's and St. Luke's. St. Oswald's & St. Hilda's are both Sixth Form girls boarding houses.

Sport

[edit]

Ellesmere College has been recognised as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) by the World Academy of Sport (WAoS) in recognition of the way it helps student-athletes on the International Baccalaureate course balance sport and education as they follow an athletic pathway concurrently with their studies. Ellesmere College is one of only 22 schools in the world to receive this accreditation.[5]

Headmasters

[edit]
  • J. Bullock (1884 - 1890)
  • J. Harrison (1890 - 1894)
  • J. Beviss Thompson (1894 - 1903)
  • E. Illiff Robson (1903 - 1907)
  • H. Woolsey (1907 - 1910)
  • T.H. Hedworth (1910 - 1927)
  • A.V. Billen (1927 - 1935)
  • R.A. Evans-Prosser (1935 - 1961)
  • I.D.S. Beer (1961 - 1969)
  • D.J. Skipper (1969 - 1982)
  • F.E. Maidment (1982 - 1988)
  • D.R. Du Cros (1988 - 1996)
  • B.J. Wignall (1996 – 2024)

Ellesmere College's last headmaster, Mr. Brendan Wignall, was recognised in National Awards, being named one of the UK's best leaders of a public school, and was shortlisted in the best Headmaster category at the Tatler School Awards 2017.[6]

Notable Old Ellesmerians

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See also: Category:People educated at Ellesmere College

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ellesmere College

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Ellesmere College is a co-educational independent boarding and in the English public school tradition, situated on a 150-acre campus in the of Ellesmere, , . Founded in 1884 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard as St Oswald's School on land donated by Lord Brownlow, it originally served 70 boys and has evolved into a modern institution educating pupils aged 7 to 18 across its Lower School (7-13), (13-16), and (16-18). The college emphasizes high performance learning, holistic development, and , holding as one of 39 High Performance Learning schools worldwide. As part of the Woodard Schools federation with a religious character, Ellesmere College maintains a non-selective admissions policy and supports a diverse body of approximately 518 pupils, with over 40% boarding and representation from more than 30 nationalities. The school is recognized for its strong , including specialized support for as a CReSTeD DU-listed , and offers seven sports academies alongside a broad extracurricular program fostering leadership and community involvement. Historically, the college's foundation stone was laid on 5 August 1879, and it opened on the same date in 1884, initially comprising a , a servitors' school, and a training school for masters. Key milestones include the construction of its , begun in the 1920s to a design by Sir and completed in 1959 by Sir Charles Nicholson, a major fire in 1966 that destroyed the chapel and dining hall (rebuilt by 1969), and expansions such as the Nankivell wing in 1981. Under current headteacher Mr Jonathan Shaw, the college continues to build on its legacy of producing leaders, with notable alumni including rugby administrator Bill Beaumont and Victoria Cross recipient Frederick Harvey.

History

Founding and Establishment

Ellesmere College was established in 1879 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard, an Anglican priest and educational reformer who founded the Woodard Corporation to create a network of schools offering affordable, faith-based grounded in Anglican principles for boys from middle-class families of modest means. Woodard's vision emphasized moral and religious development alongside academic instruction, aiming to instill Christian values and character in pupils who might otherwise lack access to such opportunities. The college, originally named St. Oswald's School, was one of several institutions in this chain, beginning with in 1848, and sought to emulate the English public school tradition while prioritizing accessibility. The site for the school was generously donated by Lord Brownlow, providing land in the Shropshire countryside near the town of Ellesmere to support the new venture. On St. Oswald's Day, August 5, 1879, the foundation stone was laid by Lord Brownlow's wife, marking the formal beginning of construction designed by architects Richard Carpenter and Benjamin Ingelow in a Gothic Revival style befitting its religious ethos. The institution opened its doors on August 5, 1884, welcoming 70 boys under the leadership of four masters, with an initial structure divided into a for core academic studies, a Servitors' School for pupils assisting in domestic duties to offset costs, and a Training School for aspiring teachers aged 17 to 20. From its inception, the school's curriculum focused on classical subjects such as Latin, Greek, mathematics, and , integrated with daily religious instruction to foster intellectual rigor and in the tradition of Anglican public schools. This approach reflected Woodard's broader mission to educate the emerging middle classes in a manner that combined scholarly discipline with spiritual formation, preparing students for leadership roles while upholding Church of England doctrines. The early emphasis on boarding life also promoted camaraderie and self-reliance, setting the tone for the institution's development as a boarding school.

Key Developments and Events

The institution, formerly known as St. Oswald's School, was renamed Ellesmere College, marking a significant in its early development. This change reflected its evolving identity within the Woodard Foundation, emphasizing a broader educational mission for middle-class Anglican families. The college remained a boys-only school for much of the but transitioned to co-educational status in with the establishment of St. Oswald's Girls boarding house, expanding access and diversity in its student body. This shift aligned with broader trends in British independent schooling toward inclusivity. Construction of the college occurred in phases, beginning with the first portion completed in 1928 under the design of Sir Aston Webb, serving initially as a to those lost in the War. The was fully realized in 1959 with additional work by Sir Charles Nicholson, incorporating memorials for casualties of the Second World War. A devastating in 1966 destroyed both the and the dining hall, prompting their complete rebuilding and reopening in 1969 to restore these central facilities. In 1978, the British thriller film , directed by Anthony Page and starring , was primarily filmed on the college campus, utilizing its grounds and as the setting for a fictional . This marked a notable cultural intersection for the institution, involving local students and providing an early screen role for comedian . In 1981, the Nankivell Sixth Form wing was opened by the Duke of Westminster, enhancing facilities for older students. As part of the longstanding Woodard Schools network—founded by Canon Nathaniel Woodard to promote affordable Anglican education—Ellesmere College has seen steady growth, reaching an enrollment of approximately 550 students as of 2025, with a mix of day and boarding pupils from diverse backgrounds. This expansion underscores its integration and sustained role within the network's tradition of holistic development.

Campus and Facilities

Location and Grounds

Ellesmere College is located in the rural countryside of , near the of Ellesmere and approximately 4 miles from the border with , providing a scenic and tranquil setting conducive to . The campus lies midway between the cities of and , just off the A495 road, and benefits from strong accessibility via the UK's motorway network, including the nearby M54 and M6. Major airports such as (approximately 53 miles away) and (approximately 48 miles away) facilitate travel for international students, with the college offering dedicated airport transfers and bus routes connecting to regional towns. The college's grounds span approximately 150 acres of semi-rural landscape, featuring a mix of open playing fields, a dedicated lake, and areas supporting various outdoor activities. Initially, the land was donated by Lord Brownlow in the late , with subsequent expansions enhancing the site's capacity for environmental and recreational use. These grounds, surrounded by the natural beauty of , emphasize an outdoor-oriented education by providing ample space for students to engage with the environment, fostering physical and through direct interaction with . In terms of , Ellesmere College implements a core strategy managed in with Holroyd Howe, which includes educational programs on delivered through assemblies, lessons, and practical demonstrations. This approach promotes sustainable practices across campus operations, such as resource-efficient food services and initiatives to instill long-term habits in pupils, contributing to broader goals of environmental conservation in the region.

Academic and Residential Buildings

Ellesmere College's academic facilities are centered around purpose-built structures that support a broad , including classrooms housed in a dedicated block constructed in 1957. This block provides flexible spaces for teaching across subjects, complemented by a study wing and library added in 1964 to enhance independent learning and research resources. Science education is facilitated by biology laboratories established in the same year, with the campus featuring four specialized science laboratories equipped for practical experiments in chemistry, physics, and biology. Further academic infrastructure includes the Arts Centre, opened in 1976 with an auditorium, exhibition foyer, and music school, and the Design and Technology Centre from 1981, which incorporates workshops, project areas, metalwork facilities, and a technical drawing office to foster creative and technical skills. The chapel stands as a central architectural and spiritual feature of the college, originally designed by Sir Aston Webb with the first portion completed in and the full structure finished in 1959. A temporary chapel had served in the crypt beneath the Dining Hall prior to this permanent building. In 1966, a major fire destroyed much of the chapel, leading to its rebuilding and reopening in 1969; this incident also prompted the addition of Talbot House boarding accommodation above the remodelled Dining Hall. While the chapel itself houses a pipe organ, the college's notable musical instrument is the 1864 Schulze organ, acquired in 1980 and installed on a gallery in Big School, where it supports choral and recital performances. Residential life revolves around seven single-sex boarding houses organized by age groups, with dedicated facilities for students aged 12-16 and separate houses for Senior School pupils aged 16-18. These houses, including St Oswald's for girls opened in 1984 and later extended, and St Luke's for boys repurposed from a 1981 study wing, primarily offer single and twin rooms to accommodate around 240 boarders (as of 2024). Modernization efforts have equipped the houses with en-suite bathrooms, connectivity, common rooms, and TV lounges to create comfortable, secure environments. In 2019, a new girls' boarding house named St Hilda's was opened, increasing capacity by 26 places to meet growing demand while enhancing privacy and study spaces. Recent upgrades to academic and residential buildings emphasize and , such as the incorporation of interactive whiteboards and digital resources in classrooms and labs to support inclusive learning. Boarding houses have seen ongoing improvements for mobility access, including ramps and adapted facilities, alongside technological enhancements like high-speed to facilitate remote learning and global connectivity. These developments ensure the buildings align with contemporary educational needs while preserving the campus's historical character.

Sports and Recreational Facilities

Ellesmere College maintains a comprehensive array of sports and recreational facilities across its 150-acre campus, designed to support a wide range of physical activities and academies. The Sports Centre serves as the hub for indoor pursuits, featuring a state-of-the-art gymnasium, two squash courts, a 25-meter indoor with five lanes, and a fully equipped sports hall that includes four courts, a court, an indoor tennis court, facilities for and , and a /dance studio with audio-visual capabilities. These indoor venues cater to the demands of the school's various sports academies, providing year-round access for training and competitions. Outdoor infrastructure emphasizes team sports and individual disciplines, with seven rugby pitches, seven football pitches, four 5-a-side pitches, and four floodlit training areas available on the expansive grounds. A floodlit all-weather astro turf pitch measuring 90 meters by 60 meters supports hockey and multi-sport use, while additional fields accommodate , including a dedicated with three squares, six all-weather nets, twelve grass nets, and four indoor nets. The also includes a grass athletics track with jump and throw areas, six floodlit courts, and a cross-country course integrated into the natural . Specialized facilities enhance the school's emphasis on elite-level sports, such as a 9-hole (par 30), six floodlit outdoor courts complemented by an indoor tennis centre, indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, and a sailing lake for water-based . Equestrian activities are facilitated through dedicated provisions, allowing students to engage in training and compete in events like the National Equestrian Championships and NSEA qualifiers. The college's infrastructure has earned recognition as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre by the World Academy of Sport, underscoring its role in fostering balanced athletic development.

Academics

School Structure and Curriculum

Ellesmere College is divided into three main sections: the Lower School for pupils aged 7 to 13, the for ages 13 to 16, and the for ages 16 to 18. Each division employs tailored teaching approaches to meet developmental needs, with small class sizes in the Lower School fostering and independence, while the emphasizes personal responsibility through a house system and tutor support, and the promotes leadership and advanced study skills. The curriculum aligns with the in the Lower School, covering core subjects such as English, , , , , , , ICT, music, and , with additional subjects introduced in Years 7 and 8 to build a broad foundation. In the , pupils prepare for examinations with core compulsory subjects including English, , sciences, a modern foreign language, and humanities or creative , alongside up to four optional subjects chosen in to allow specialization while maintaining breadth. The offers flexible pathways, including A-Levels across a wide range of subjects, the Diploma Programme equivalent to six A-Levels, and BTEC qualifications such as in sport for vocational focus. Central to the curriculum is the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework, adopted school-wide since , which emphasizes cognitive competencies like and , alongside values, attitudes, and attributes to prepare students for real-world challenges. As one of only 39 HPL World Class Schools globally, Ellesmere integrates this research-based approach through cross-curricular activities and leadership training to remove barriers to achievement and foster high performance in all pupils. The school provides dedicated support for diverse learning needs, including a specialist unit for and related conditions, with individualized interventions from Lower School to to ensure inclusive access to the . Scholarships and bursaries are available across all year groups to support talented students from varied backgrounds, including means-tested financial aid, while international students benefit from integrated English as an Additional (EAL) programs tailored to their needs, promoting seamless academic and social integration.

Academic Performance and Achievements

Ellesmere College students achieved strong results in the 2025 GCSE examinations, with an overall pass rate of 83% and 31% of grades falling in the top 9-7 range (equivalent to ), surpassing the national averages of 67.4% and 21.8%, respectively. Girls at the school performed particularly well, attaining a pass rate of 89%. In A-Levels for the same year, the college recorded a 97% pass rate, with 41% of grades at and girls securing 62.5% of those top grades. The (IB) Diploma cohort achieved an average score of 34.5 points—above the global average of 30—with 16% of students scoring 40 or more points out of a maximum 45, and the highest individual score reaching 44 points. These outcomes reflect the school's emphasis on personalized academic support within its , IB, and BTEC pathways. A significant portion of 2025 leavers progressed to prestigious universities, including institutions such as Durham (Computer Science and Mathematics), the (Business Management), the (German and English Literature), the (Finance and Data Analytics), the (), and the (). Other destinations included international options like the in (Economics) and the (Economics and Business Economics), alongside UK universities such as (Criminology). The college holds High Performance Learning (HPL) World Class School Accreditation, awarded in 2021 after two years of rigorous assessment and reaccredited in 2023, recognizing it as one of only 39 schools worldwide for delivering exceptional cognitive and attitudinal development in . In 2025, it also received the Best Educational Needs Provider award at the Independent Education Awards, hosted by Business Awards , highlighting its inclusive academic support. Ellesmere College's academic reputation has sustained an enrollment of approximately 550 pupils aged 7-18 from over 30 nationalities, fostering high retention through consistent strong performance and diverse progression opportunities.

Student Life

Boarding Programme

Ellesmere College offers flexible boarding options, including day, weekly, and full boarding, to accommodate diverse family needs. Over 40% of the school's 518 pupils participate in the boarding programme, residing across seven dedicated houses. These options allow pupils to engage fully in the school's community while maintaining flexibility, such as weekly boarders returning home on weekends or full boarders staying throughout the term. The house system is organized primarily by age and gender to foster age-appropriate development and peer relationships. For Years 9-11 (), boys are housed in St. Patrick's, St. Bede's, and St. Cuthbert's, while girls reside in St. Luke's, St. Oswald's, and St. Hilda's; St. Aidan's serves junior boarders. In the (Years 12-13), boarding shifts to mixed-gender arrangements to promote maturity and independence. Each house is led by a or Housemistress, supported by a team including matrons and tutors who provide 24/7 care, academic oversight, and emotional support, ensuring close coordination with teaching staff. Boarding emphasizes progressive independence, particularly in the Sixth Form, where students take on leadership roles and manage greater personal responsibilities within a structured environment. This aligns seamlessly with academic schedules through integrated routines, such as twilight study sessions and regular tutor meetings that support homework and preparation. The programme also caters to international students, comprising over half of all boarders from more than 30 nationalities, with tailored support for cultural adjustment and welfare; this includes provisions for pupils from affiliated institutions like Ellesmere College Doha and Ellesmere College Muscat, facilitating smooth transitions into the UK boarding experience. The residential buildings, such as the Saints Houses, are designed to create a home-like atmosphere with communal areas for relaxation and study. extends to regular parent communications and access to an independent listener for confidential guidance, prioritizing throughout residential life.

Sports and Co-curricular Activities

Ellesmere College offers seven dedicated sports academies designed to provide students with year-round and opportunities to compete at national levels. These academies include , football, , rugby, , , and , each led by qualified coaches who emphasize skill development, personal growth, and participation across all academic terms. Students in these programmes benefit from tailored training that fosters such as and resilience, alongside access to competitive fixtures that have led to international recognition in various disciplines over recent years. The college's sports teams have achieved notable successes in national and regional competitions. In 2025, the 1st XV rugby team advanced through the early rounds of the National Plate, securing dominant victories including against . Similarly, the girls' 1st XI hockey team reached the regional finals at the Hockey Centre, topping their group with four wins and progressing to the semi-final where they defeated . Equestrian riders from the college also excelled at the National Equestrian Championships in October 2025, competing successfully in multiple classes against over 35 teams and 185 individuals. Beyond competitive sports, Ellesmere's co-curricular programme encompasses a wide range of non-athletic activities that enrich student life. and are integral, with every pupil expected to participate in performances, , dancing, or to build creative and expressive skills. Award scheme supports expeditions and challenges that promote personal resilience and teamwork, often integrated with the . Cultural exchanges, such as the recent visit from students at the campus in November 2025, facilitate cross-cultural learning and friendship-building between the and international sites. These activities are structured to complement the academic timetable, ensuring a balanced school week that dedicates specific time slots to co-curricular pursuits without compromising studies. Participation in teams and societies further develops qualities, preparing students to take on roles in future communities and institutions. The college's sports and recreational facilities, including pitches and indoor courts, support these programmes effectively.

Governance and Traditions

Leadership and Headmasters

Ellesmere College operates as a member school of the Woodard Corporation, an educational charity founded by Canon Nathaniel Woodard in the mid-19th century to promote Anglican education. The headmaster serves as the , providing strategic and educational leadership while ensuring alignment with the Corporation's Christian ethos, which emphasizes spiritual, moral, and cultural development alongside academic excellence. This role involves developing long-term plans, overseeing teaching standards, managing staff and student welfare, and fostering international partnerships, such as with Ellesmere College , all while advising the school's on , budgets, and charitable objectives. The school's governance is overseen by the College Council, which meets termly to ensure compliance with charitable aims and provides strategic direction. Chaired by Custos Charles Lillis, the Council comprises governors with expertise in , , and law, who work closely with the headmaster to maintain the Woodard Foundation's oversight on matters of , , and school performance. The Woodard Corporation retains ultimate authority as the parent body, appointing Custodes and influencing policy on and inter-school collaborations, such as the annual Voices of Woodard events. The headmasters of Ellesmere College, since its opening in 1884, have been instrumental in shaping its development from a boys-only Anglican boarding school to a co-educational institution with global reach. The following table lists key headmasters chronologically, focusing on their tenures and notable contributions where documented:
TenureHeadmasterKey Contributions
1884–1890Rev. J. Bullock, MAServed as the inaugural headmaster (initially titled Senior Master), establishing the school's foundational Anglican curriculum and boarding structure shortly after opening.
1890–1894Rev. J. Harrison, MAOversaw early expansion of facilities and enrollment in the school's formative years.
1894–1903Rev. R. Beviss Thompson, MAStrengthened academic standards and chapel traditions central to Woodard schools.
1903–1907Rev. E. Illiff Robson, MAFocused on disciplinary and pastoral reforms during a period of growth.
1907–1910Rev. H. Woolsey, MAManaged transitions amid early 20th-century educational shifts.
1910–1917Rev. F. H. de Winton, MAEmphasized military-style discipline in the lead-up to World War I.
1917–1925Rev. C. A. E. Anson, MALed post-war recovery, enhancing sports and extracurricular programs.
1925–1934Rev. E. A. Gray, MAPromoted arts and humanities amid interwar modernization.
1934–1945Rev. A. J. W. Stirling, MANavigated challenges of World War II, including evacuations and resilience-building.
1945–1953Rev. J. C. Ford, MARebuilt post-war infrastructure and enrollment.
1953–1969Rev. F. H. L. Clarkson, MAIntroduced modern teaching methods and expanded science facilities.
1969–1982Mr. D. J. Skipper, MAModernized governance and co-curricular offerings, boosting enrollment during economic shifts.
1982–1988Mr. F. E. Maidment, MAReformed daily routines and pastoral care to support holistic development.
1988–1996Mr. D. R. du Croz, MAEnhanced academic rigor and international links, preparing the school for co-education.
1996–2024Mr. B. J. Wignall, BALongest-serving head; introduced the International Baccalaureate, sports academies (cricket, golf, tennis), and international campuses; doubled pupil numbers, built new facilities including a sports hall and lower school; shortlisted for Tatler Head of the Year 2017; youngest Woodard head at appointment.
2024–2025Mrs. V. Pritt-Roberts, BEd, MEd, NPQH (Acting)Provided steady interim leadership post-Wignall's passing, maintaining stability and guiding transitions; first female in the role.
2025–presentMr. Jonathan Shaw, MAEmphasizes collaborative leadership, building on predecessors' legacies through example and teamwork; previously Head of Senior School at King's Ely.

Symbols and Traditions

The of Ellesmere College consists of a per chevron purpure and or, bearing two celestial crowns fesswise or in chief, a cross flory or, and in base a proper holding in its beak a ring or. The crest features a as in the arms, standing on a mount vert upon a or and purpure. The "Pro patria dimicans," meaning "Fighting for our country," accompanies the arms. These elements symbolize the school's dedication to Saint Oswald: the and ring derive from the legend of Oswald dispatching a with a ring to propose to a Welsh princess, the cross flory represents his Christian martyrdom, and the celestial crowns denote his sainthood. Ellesmere College maintains several enduring traditions that reinforce its cultural identity. Founder's Day, held annually in September, commemorates the school's founding by Canon Nathaniel Woodard on St. Oswald's Day in 1879, featuring assemblies and reflections on the institution's heritage. The Ellesmerian , published biannually since the early , documents student achievements, school events, and contributions, serving as a key archival record. Chapel services form a cornerstone of traditions, conducted in the of St. Oswald King and Martyr, with weekly gatherings and a traditional Saturday Holy Communion using the to uphold the school's Anglican foundations. The school's uniform policy emphasizes uniformity and pride, requiring blazers, ties, and trousers or skirts in specified colors, sourced exclusively from the school shop or authorized suppliers to instill and . Upon entering the senior school, pupils are assigned to one of four competitive houses named after original benefactors—Meynell, , Wakeman-Lambart, and Woodard—fostering loyalty through inter-house competitions in academics, , and . Since transitioning to co-education in 1984 with the establishment of St. Oswald's Sixth Form girls' boarding house, Ellesmere's traditions have adapted to promote gender inclusivity, incorporating female perspectives into house affiliations, chapel rituals, and annual events while preserving core Christian and communal values.

Notable Old Ellesmerians

Prominent Alumni in Sports

One of the most distinguished Old Ellesmerians in sports is Sir Bill Beaumont, who attended the college from 1965 to 1969. A lock forward, Beaumont earned 34 caps for between 1975 and 1982, captaining the side from 1978 and leading them to a Five Nations Grand Slam in 1980. He also toured with the in 1977 and 1980, playing club rugby for throughout his career. Post-retirement, Beaumont served as President of the from 2010 to 2014 and was elected Chairman of in 2016, a role he held until 2020 after re-election. He was knighted in the for services to . Freya Anderson, an Old Ellesmerian who trained at the college's renowned swimming academy, has achieved international acclaim as a freestyle swimmer. She won gold in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2020 Olympics and has secured multiple titles, including individual golds in the 200m freestyle at the 2022 edition. Anderson debuted for at the 2017 World Championships and continued to represent the nation at major events, leveraging her base at Ellesmere's facilities despite their 25-meter pool limitations. Subsequent achievements include bronze in the 4x100m mixed freestyle relay at the 2023 World Championships, silver in the women's 4x100m medley relay at the 2024 Short Course Championships, and gold in the 100m freestyle at the 2025 Aquatics GB Swimming Championships, securing qualification for the 2025 World Championships. Her success underscores the college's role in nurturing elite swimmers through its high-performance programme. In rugby union, Gus Warr represents a newer generation of prominent Old Ellesmerians, having studied at the college before completing his education elsewhere. Warr signed a professional contract with Premiership side in 2018, shortly after leaving Ellesmere, and has since become a key scrum-half for the club. He earned his first cap for in July 2024 during a test match against (cap no. 1222), followed by additional caps on 's Americas tour that year against the USA, Chile (starting in a 52-11 win), and Uruguay, where he scored two tries on debut and contributed to a clean sweep; he was also selected for the 2025 mid-year tour squad. Warr's development was supported by Ellesmere's rugby academy, which provides specialist coaching for aspiring professionals. Frederick Harvey (1888–1980), an Old Ellesmerian from 1899 to 1902, was an Irish rugby union player and Canadian soldier who earned three caps for Ireland between 1907 and 1911, playing as a forward for Wanderers FC. During World War I, he received the Victoria Cross for gallantry at the Canal du Nord on 27 September 1918 while serving with the Royal Canadian Regiment, as well as the Military Cross; he was later appointed CBE. John Brunt, an Old Ellesmerian known for his athletic prowess during his time at the college in the 1930s and early 1940s, excelled in multiple sports including rugby, , hockey, and wrestling. While his post-school career shifted to military service during —where he earned the and for gallantry—Brunt's schoolboy rugby involvement highlighted his early talent in the sport, contributing to his reputation as an all-round athlete. His legacy in sports is commemorated at Ellesmere through facilities like the John Brunt Memorial Cricket Pavilion.

Other Notable Alumni

Ralph Benjamin (1939–1940) was a pioneering British engineer and inventor renowned for his contributions to early video recording technology. Arriving in as a Jewish from in 1939, Benjamin attended Ellesmere College before proceeding to , where he earned a first-class degree in . During , he worked on systems for the Admiralty, and in the 1940s, he developed a prototype for a video disc recorder that predated commercial by decades; he also created an early akin to the modern in 1946 while at the Royal Naval Scientific Service. Later, Benjamin served as a senior scientist and advised the on electronics until his retirement in 1984. Paul Dean, Baron Dean of Harptree (1924–2009), was a prominent Conservative who served as a and held key roles in the . Educated at Ellesmere College and , Dean was commissioned into the during , where he rose to captain and was . Elected MP for Somerset North in 1964, he later represented Woodspring until 1983, focusing on social security and as Parliamentary Private Secretary to key ministers. Appointed a in 1993, he became Deputy Speaker of the and Chairman of Committees from 1995 to 1999, earning praise for his impartiality and procedural expertise. Martin Aitchison (1932–1935) was an acclaimed British illustrator best known for his work on Eagle comic strips and Ladybird Books. Overcoming profound deafness from childhood, Aitchison attended Ellesmere College before leaving at age 15 to study at the Birmingham School of Art and the Slade School of Fine Art. From 1950 to 1963, he illustrated adventure series like "Luck of the Legion" and "Harris Tweed" for Eagle, and subsequently created over 100 Ladybird titles, including adaptations of classics such as The Water Babies and Peter Pan, blending detailed realism with vibrant storytelling. His career spanned more than five decades, influencing generations of young readers through educational and narrative art. Michael Chapman (priest) served as of in the from 1991 until his retirement in 2004. Born in 1939, Chapman was educated at Ellesmere College, the , and the College of the Resurrection, , before his ordination as a in 1963 and in 1964. He held various pastoral roles, including chaplaincy in the Royal Air Force and vicarages in and , before his elevation to , where he oversaw development and diocesan administration. Chapman's ministry emphasized and ecumenical relations until his death in 2019. Robert Godwin (1971–1975) is a Canadian author and publisher specializing in space exploration history. After studying mathematics and physics at Ellesmere College, Godwin emigrated to Canada, where he founded Apogee Books in 1994, becoming a leading publisher of works on rocketry, astronautics, and Apollo missions. He has authored or edited over 30 books, including detailed accounts like Apollo 11: The NASA Mission Reports and The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Space Technology, drawing on declassified documents to chronicle human spaceflight achievements. Godwin's contributions have earned him recognition as a key advocate for space heritage preservation, with his publications used in museums and academic settings.

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