Queensmead School Windsor
Queensmead School Windsor was a Catholic non-selective independent day school[1] for boys and girls aged 2 to 18 in Windsor, Berkshire, England, located at the edge of Windsor Great Park. Despite its religious affiliation, the school accepted pupils of all faiths. The school was closed on 31 January 2019 after attempts to sell it to an overseas education provider were unsuccessful.
Queensmead School Windsor | |
---|---|
Address | |
Kings Road , , SL4 2AX | |
Information | |
Type | Independent day school |
Religious affiliation(s) | Roman Catholic |
Established | 1948 |
Closed | 31 January 2019 |
Local authority | Windsor and Maidenhead |
Department for Education URN | 110147 Tables |
Gender | Co-educational |
Age | 2 to 18 (Boys and Girls) |
Enrolment | 100 |
Website | http://queensmeadwindsor.org.uk |
History
The Brigidine Sisters established a convent and school at Windsor in 1948, the second such founded by the order in England and Wales.[2] Queensmead, the Victorian bricked mansion the Sisters moved into, remained one of the school's main buildings. The school became run by lay staff but retained its Catholic ethos and religious character.
During the early 2000s, the school experienced financial difficulties; pupil and staff numbers declined and the school was threatened with closure.[3] In 2011 parents and governors discussed a possibility of the school entering the state sector but an agreement could not be reached.
In 2012, further funding was secured and the school remained open and independent.[4][5]
In 2018 it was renamed from Brigidine to Queensmead.[6]
Closure
After years of financial difficulties, the school closed permanently on 31 January 2019.[7][8]
At the time of closure, the Head of Education was Simon Larter, and the Head of Business Affairs Dawn Fleming.[9]
Alumni
- Tamara Mellon, fashion designer[10]
- Susan Sheridan, actress[11]
See also
- Catholic Church in England
References
- "Welcome". queensmeadwindsor.org.uk. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
- The religious orders and congregations of Great Britain and Ireland. Stanbrook Abbey Press. 1949. p. 189.
- "Brigidine School's future uncertain". Royal Borough Observer. 23 January 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013.
- "Brigidine School to remain private but must raise more funds". Windsor and Eton Express. 13 April 2011. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016.
- "Threatened school's future looks secure". Windsor and Eton Express. 15 June 2012. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013.
- "Brigidine School to become fully co-educational - with a new name". Royal Borough Observer. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
- "The end of the line for the school that began life as Brigidine Convent". Royal Borough Observer. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
- "Queensmead School announces closure due to 'economic reasons'". www.windsorexpress.co.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
- http://queensmeadwindsor.org.uk/site/assets/files/1049/staff_directory_2016-2017_updated_march_2017.pdf
- "The incredible life of Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon".
- Susan Sheridan - Personal Website Archived 12 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine
External links
- Official website
- Ofsted Report 2009 (as Brigidine School)
- Profile on the ISC website