Wychwood School Opened
Miss Batty and Miss Lee open school at 41 Banbury Road with one pupil, Margaret Gay.
Our History
Wychwood School has a long and rich history of educating girls. From the beginning our founders had a clear vision of what a small girl’s school should be and what Wychwood girls could achieve.
Along the way the school has remained committed to that ethos, celebrated in 2017 with a 120th birthday party attended by 500 alumnae, students and parents. Our history is what makes our future so bright.
1897
1898
The School Moves
School moves to 77 Banbury Road due to growing student numbers (7 pupils).
1912
The First Boarders
The school moves to 3 Bradmore Road and admits boarders for the first time under housemistress Miss Rendall (16 pupils).
1918
School Council
The school moves to 74 Banbury Road. It is named Wychwood School and adopts a forest green uniform. The Wychwood constitution is drawn up and School Council is formed. The system of Housemothers is documented for the first time.
1922
Old Girls’
Old Girls’ Association is formed.
1923
Magazine
The first school magazine is published.
1925
The Hut
‘The Hut’ is built allowing girls to do gym in the curriculum and drama plays.
1926
The Climbing Tree
The Climbing Tree is documented for the first time.
1928
Still Growing
The school purchases 2 Bardwell Road (66 pupils).
1929
Honours
The first Honours list is drawn up.
1938
Expansion Continues
The school purchases 4 Bardwell Road.
1941
Miss Snodgrass
Miss Snodgrass becomes Headmistress and introduces the Dalton System of learning and subject rooms replace classrooms.
1946
Form Plays
The first Form Plays are performed.
1952
Educational Trust
The school becomes an Educational Trust and the first Board of Management is formed.
1964
School Ball
The first School Ball is held.
1971
New Library
The new library opens.
1973
Mrs Schuller
Mrs Schuller becomes Headmistress.
1978
New Hut
A new Hut is built.
1981
Mrs Duffill
Mrs Duffill becomes Headmistress.
1982
First Computer
The school buys its first computer – a Commodore PET. Careers evenings are introduced for the Upper School twice a term.
1985
Weekly boarders
Weekly boarding is introduced.
1986
Work Experience
Wychwood girls start working toward their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Shell girls also undertake Work Experience for the first time.
1991
New Dining Area
A sparkling new dining area is fitted heralding the introduction of self-service dining for pupils and staff.
1993
Friends
The Friends of Wychwood is established.
1996
Young Enterprise
Study girls take part in Young Enterprise for the first time.
1999
Mrs Wingfield Digby
Mrs Wingfield Digby becomes Headmistress.
2006
New Hall
The new Hall (Hut) is opened.
2012
Mrs Johnson
Mrs Johnson becomes Headmistress.
2015
Dame Honor Fell
Plaque commemorating Dame Honor Fell, Wychwood Old Girl, unveiled at school by Society of Biologists.
2017
120 Years
The school celebrates its 120th year. 400 Old Girls, pupils, members of staff and friends come together for a summer birthday party.