Stafford Grammar School

Infobox UK school
name = Stafford Grammar School


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established = 1982
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type = Independent
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head = Mr M R Darley B.A
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city = Stafford
county = Staffordshire
country = England
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enrollment = Over 400
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website = http://www.stafford-grammar.co.uk
website_name = www.stafford-grammar.co.uk

Stafford Grammar School is a mixed, independent day school located on the outskirts of Stafford, the county town of Staffordshire. Founded in 1982, the school inhabits a building built by the famous Victorian architect Augustus Pugin.

History

The school was founded in 1982 after a group of local parents, lamenting the closure of King Edward VI Grammar School in Stafford, decided to establish a selective, independent school to provide a liberal education with the ethos and quality of a grammar school. Chosen to house the school was a Victorian manor house, originally designed and built for the Whitgreave family by Augustus Pugin. Pugin was and remains famous for his pivotal role in the Gothic Revival, his work on churches, and the British Houses of Parliament. Initially this property was leased but the school now has full ownership of the house and attendant 22 acres of grounds. Still intact are many of the original design features such as the integrated chapel and the folly, neither of which are currently in use.

For many years, pupils and locals alike were unsure as to the true origin of the school largely because of the myth concerning the circumstances of the schools foundation that gained credence in some quarters. It was claimed that the last living member of the Whitgreave family bequeathed the estate to the school on the grounds that it was available only to those of "quick intellect, good stock and noble birth."Fact|date=October 2008

Expansion

The school is currently being enlarged and now has 5 buildings in total and includes tennis courts and a number of playing fields. The school is constantly enrolling more students and recently became a prep school as well.

Modern day

Stafford Grammar School consistently finishes in the top schools in Staffordshire based on A level and GCSE results. In the academic year that finished in June 2006 the school was ranked top in Satffordshire based on league table results. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/06/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/860_gcse_lea.stm]

Sport at the school has gradually improved and many pupils represent the district or county, while a distinguished few compete for national teams, in a range of sports. Recently, the under 16 men's football team was crowned district champions for the third year in a row and successfully defended heir unbeaten record which now extends 5 years.