Our HistoryFrom a rich history to a bright future

Bridewell Royal Hospital, our charitable foundation, was established in 1553 in the City of London with patronage from the City and Livery Companies, moving to the fresh air of Surrey from the 19th century. Its purpose has always been to support the young people in its care with a unique combination of education, work skills, and pastoral care. This historic mission—to deliver a kind, holistic, purposeful, and accessible education—remains our defining philosophy for us today.

Barrow Hills, an independent preparatory school established in 1950, merged with Bridewell Royal Hospital in 2016. This formalised a long-standing, positive, relationship between the two charitable schools and enabled closer collaboration, the sharing of resources and provision of an educational path for children aged 2 – 13 at Barrow Hills, continuing until 18 at King Edward’s Witley.

In 2024, Bridewell welcomed Longacre School as the third school in our family, allowing us to grow in warm collegiality, with shared resources and a common vision for the benefit of our communities.

This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Barrow Hills and approach the 475th anniversary of Bridewell. As we look ahead, we are guided by a remarkable legacy of transforming young lives for the better.