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Founded in 1379, Wisbech Grammar School is one of the oldest schools
in England. The school occupies 27 acres, blending beautiful Georgian
buildings with excellent modern facilities for teaching, learning,
sport and a wide range of activities. In 2003 a new music and drama
wing was completed. Following a return to independent status in
1983 there has been more than eight million pounds spent on new
buildings, and the Junior department (Magdalene House) was re-founded
in 1997. Pupils travel to the school from areas covering a radius
of 30 miles. Contact 01945 583631.
Celebrations have been planned at Wisbech Grammar School to mark
the silver jubilee of the historic decision to take the institution
into the independent sector. That bold move 25 years ago heralded
an outstanding chapter in the school’s 600-year history which
has included a massive expansion programme, with more than £5
million being spent on new buildings on the magnificent 27-acre
site since the early nineties. The re-founding of the junior department,
Magdalene House, in 1997, boosted pupil numbers. There are now nearly
690 boys and girls in the school, with over 500 in the senior department,
and the radius of the catchment area is 30 miles.
In the quarter century since the school went independent, the pupils
have consistently produced examination results which have been among
the best in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire as well as
building a formidable reputation in sport, music and drama. Students
have regularly won places at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge,
as well as at medical schools – with four sixth formers winning
offers at Oxbridge this year – and some have found fame on
the small screen. The new headmaster, Mr Nicholas Hammond, said:
“The generous bursary awards offered by this school make independent
education available for many families. “We are very proud
of our long tradition of academic excellence, but we have our sights
firmly set on realizing the potential of modern-day students. Our
aim is to provide our pupils with the skills and values they need
to take a leading role in the global society.”
The Capital of the Fens, Wisbech, has a tremendous history. The
Charter of King Walphere in 664 mentioned Visebec. A castle was
erected in 1086 by King William I. King John visited Wisbech in
1216 and slept at the castle. The story of the jewels ‘lost
in The Wash’ is thought to have happened near Wisbech. Around
the current Wisbech Castle are some beautiful three storey Georgian
town houses in The Crescent and Union Place which have been the
chosen site for several television and film period dramas.
The Castle is owned by Cambridgeshire County Council and managed
by Professional Centre Services. For details of the next Talk &
Tour please contact: Tel: 01945 585096 Email: Geoffrey.wilkinson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
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