The history of Barrow Hills also spans two locations. Initially, Barrow Hills was established in Weybridge by the Josephite Order as the preparatory boarding school. In 1952, the children moved to the new site at Great Roke in Witley. By 1990, it was decided that Barrow Hills would become an independent charity, managed by Trustees. Barrow Hills then successfully transitioned into a co-educational day school.
In 2016, Barrow Hills merged with Bridewell Royal Hospital. This formalised a long-standing relationship that had developed between the two local schools over many decades and allowed for closer collaboration and shared resources.
Bridewell Royal Hospital, our governing body, is a charitable foundation dating back to 1553. The young King Edward VI provided Bridewell Palace to enable boys and girls of London to receive an education and learn a trade. By 1867, the School moved to Witley, to benefit from the fresh air and greenery of Surrey. This school is King Edwards, Witley.
Old Barrow Hillians are welcome to revisit and relive their memories of their prep school days. Please contact our Alumni Lead at alumni@kesw.org if you would like to arrange a visit or update your records. Alternatively, you can join our new alumni platform, Bridewell Connect.
Curious to read alumni stories? Click the box below to discover our rising stars and learn more about some of our recent alumni.
“One of my highlights at Barrow Hills was the rugby tour to Holland, led by Mr Gartland. I still have the woolly hat we got for the trip! Although we weren’t the strongest in England, we definitely were in Holland. We...
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“At Barrow Hills, what I enjoyed the most was the inspirational culture for girls to thrive in sports. The environment created by the sports staff at Barrow Hills is the root of my love of sport! Being pushed and challenged...
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“Ever since a young age, I have had a bat in my hand! I’ve always loved the game of cricket and my love for the game grew when I joined Barrow Hills. Thanks to the brilliant sport there, I managed...
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“I started playing hockey in Year 3 at Barrow Hills and was strongly encouraged to join Guildford Hockey Club by my Mrs Burnett. BHS stretched me by inviting me to play with the girls’ Year 8 team when I was...
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If you asked Josh what he loved most about his time at Barrow Hills, it would be the time he spent playing sport! He always loved playing hockey, playing at Guildford Hockey Club from aged six and as part of...
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During Matt’s time at Barrow Hills, he played at Guildford Hockey Club U8-U12. He also played at County level for Surrey at U10 and U12, having been nominated by both Barrow Hills and Guildford Hockey Club. He was then selected...
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“I really enjoyed trying new things when I joined in Year 4. I really enjoyed the science lab, History, acting in the school play, art and design, and playing hockey for the first time. I bought my first hockey stick...
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Cleo will be leaving Barrow Hills as our newest alumni cohort this summer. She thoroughly enjoyed all sport at Barrow Hills, especially netball, but hockey is her first love! The coaches at BH always stretched and encouraged her. Cleo was...
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