Chafyn Grove School


Chafyn Grove School is an independent co-educational day and boarding preparatory school situated on the edge of the city of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England. Founded in 1879 by Mr. W.C Bird as an all-boys' school, it became Chafyn Grove School in 1916, when it was renamed after its first benefactress, Julia Chafyn Grove.

History

Chafyn Grove School was built in 1879 by Mr W.C Bird, and was originally called Salisbury School. In 1889 The Reverend J.C. Alcock bought the school, which at this time catered for 11- to 18-year-old boys.
In 1897, Julia Chafyn Grove of Zeals House near Mere in Wiltshire died. She was greatly involved with her community and endowed a ward at the Salisbury Hospital and gave an organ to Salisbury Cathedral. In her will, she left £5,000 to assist education in the city of Salisbury, and in particular to provide a school which would take the place of the Elizabethan grammar school endowment which Salisbury formerly had. It was decided to use this money to buy Mr Alcock’s school, which was then converted into a Charitable Trust, and the buildings greatly enlarged. The following year, 1898, the new wing was officially opened by Bishop Wordsworth.
1916, the Governors invited Mr H.L Whytehead to become Headmaster. He transformed the school into a Preparatory School and renamed it Chafyn Grove to commemorate its first benefactress.
Two former Deputy Headmasters have served as Chairman of the Independent Association of Prep Schools: Andy Falconer in 2010/11 and Eddy Newton in 2013/14.

Location

Chafyn Grove School is situated on the northeastern edge of Salisbury within of land. The site includes an astro turf field, a sports hall, a swimming pool, extensive playing fields and an adventure playground.

Notable former pupils