St Christopher's School

St Christopher's was founded in 1938 and established as a charitable trust in 1965. It is administered by a board of governors, many of whom are parents of former pupils. Miss P Critchell Moody and Miss K M Angus Paterson founded St Christopher's. The school first opened with just eight pupils and was based at 38 Ashley Road, Epsom. The numbers increased quickly, growing to 40 by 1939. By 1942 larger premises were needed and the school was moved to its present building, a large Edwardian house, at 6 Downs Road, Epsom. By 1943 there were 100 pupils. In the words of Miss Moody, one of the two founders, "The name 'St Christopher's' was chosen so that the school was to be a bridge between the shelter of home and the wider life which the children would encounter." The school's founding aims were: There must be a solid foundation, but the children must be treated as individuals, and responsible behaviour is expected from pupils at an early age. This will give them pride in achievement and a feeling of belonging to a community. Children are expected to work hard and they do this best in a homely atmosphere in which they can feel secure and enjoy themselves. St Christopher's remains committed to these enlightened founding aims. The school, which has been extensively modernised and extended, continues to occupy the large Edwardian house in a residential area close to the centre of Epsom. There are beautiful, secluded grounds and many visitors comment on the hidden size of this lovely school with its large nursery supporting four classes and subsequent two form entry from Reception to Year 2. Everyone has happy memories of their time at St Christopher's. Pupils, their families and our staff form life-long friendships and we are always delighted to welcome them back to our community. In 2007/8, when the school celebrated its 70th Anniversary, we were delighted to welcome back 29 pupils from the class of 1957 for a celebratory lunch. In return, they presented the school with a book showing the many and varied lives former pupils can live, together with their memories of St Christopher's. St Christopher's is a member of the Independent Schools Association and is accredited by the Independent Schools Council. The School celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2013and enjoyed a year of celebrations which included the publication of a Poetry Book with original contributions from all 180 children. Staff and Governors were also delighted to provide their favourite poems together with a short note about why each one held a special memory. The whole school enjoyed an outing to Ladyland Farm where we joined together for fun and education and toasted the School's anniversary with a special picnic lunch.