In 2027 Rosebery School will proudly celebrate its 100th anniversary.

As we look forward to marking this incredible milestone, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the rich history and remarkable journey of our school, which has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant community of more than 1,500 students.

Please find below our growing digital archive which contains newspaper clippings, photographs, illustrations and poems from Rosebery School's 100-year history.

 

View our Centenary Digital Archive

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The Story of Rosebery School

The school first opened in the academic year of 1921/22 as Epsom County School. The school’s founding headteacher, Miss J. K. Hall, envisioned it as “a society evoking the loyalty and devotion of a lifetime alike of girls in which and by which the essential basis of civic virtue would be inculcated in the rising generation more by practice than by precept.” These values have remained central to the ethos of Rosebery School throughout its history.

Initially located at the Technical Institute on Church Street, the school could accommodate just 150 girls. In 1927, construction was completed on the new site at Whitehorse Drive, where the school still thrives nearly a century later. The new school was officially opened on 7 May 1927, coinciding with Lord Rosebery’s birthday, by the Lady Mayoress of London—marking the birth of Rosebery School.

Miss Hall retired in 1946, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and inspiration. To honor her memory, a magnolia tree was planted outside her office, which continues to bloom as a living symbol of her impact.

As we approach our centenary, Rosebery School remains deeply committed to the values established by its founders, shaping generations of students with the same principles that have guided us since the beginning.

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Iris

This year, I am looking forward to working with the other Senior Prefects and the Junior Prefect Team to make Rosebery Day as fun and memorable as possible. I also hope to build our understanding of the school’s history in the lead-up to our 100-year anniversary in 2027.

Another key focus for me is strengthening our connections with the wider Epsom community, our alumni, and the 8th Earl of Rosebery.

I applied for the Senior Prefect Team because my experience at Rosebery has been amazing, and I find it fascinating to learn about the experiences of others from different generations. At the same time, I want to prioritise making the experience of current students in our pillar school even better.