Gresham's School

Gresham's has greatly benefited from the generosity of generations of OG's, parents and friends of the School. The Fishmongers' Company has also played a substantial role in supporting the School financially and in its development. However, this generous support cannot be expected to fund the increasing number of bursaries which the School wishes to offer and substantial future building plans. In 1900, the School was very small with just 40 boys including 7 boarders. With the support of the Governors led by the Fishmongers' Company and the Headmaster, George Howson, the School embarked on considerable expansion and a new building programme. In 1921, these buildings were added to by the generosity of the Headmaster, J R Eccles, with The Thatched Buildings (now Scruff Shacks) which are still there and are a valuable reminder of how much the School has developed since then. An appeal in 1955 provided for the Music School and Biology Laboratories. A further appeal to parents and OGs produced the Reith Laboratories, opened by the great man in 1969, which included a fine Lecture Theatre and more space for Physics and Chemistry. Thirteen years later there was another appeal for the building of the Sports Hall. The last appeal led to the building of the Auden Theatre which was opened in 1998. These generous gifts from OGs, parents and friends contributed to great improvements in the facilities of the School for the benefit of future pupils and staff. The formation of the Sir John Gresham Society means that through the generosity of its members a substantial Foundation will be established which will enable Gresham's to prosper in the future and stand alongside the best schools in the country. Many believe Gresham's to be a wealthy school. Although it has the valuable support of the Fishmongers' Company, without the generosity of Old Greshamians, parents, staff, charitable foundations and others it would have struggled to continue to be one of the best schools in the region. Today Gresham's still needs your support. Although there are many deserving causes in the world today, striving to provide the best possible education and standards to children is as worthy as any.