SCHOOL HISTORY

The Girls' Grammar School was officially opened in September 1958, with its first students coming from the Hugh Clopton Bilateral School. Subsequent generations of students and staff have been fortunate to enjoy the antiquity of Shottery Manor (which is currently used for the sixth form centre) and the beautiful landscaped gardens which surround the Manor. The oldest part of the Manor dates from the fourteenth century, when it was owned by Evesham Abbey, and then in 1402 the Bishop of Worcester granted John Harewell, of Wootton Wawen, a licence for a priest to celebrate in the Oratory of the Manor (now the Geography Room). The Manor remained in the Harewell family until at least 1746. From 1786-1919 the Manor was owned by successive generations of the Marquis of Hertford's family. In 1919 the Manor was purchased by Mr AD Flower on behalf of the Trustees of the late Edgar Flower. In 1938 it became the residence of Col Fordham and Lady Hersey Flower, until 1951. After a few years of remaining empty, the Manor was bought by Warwickshire County Council and, as a result of the foresight of Mrs Waldron, the first Chairman of Governors and former Mayoress of the town, a grammar school education for girls was established for the first time. Three modern teaching and administration blocks were built within the garden of the old Manor house and all pupils have a most pleasant, relaxing environment in which to work.

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