Our History
The Stationers' Company's School was established in 1861 by the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers to provide education for the sons of individuals working in the printing, publishing, and allied trades centered around Fleet Street. Initially located at No. 6 Bolt Court, the school relocated in 1891 to a purpose-built, Gothic-style building on Mayfield Road in Hornsey to accommodate its growing student body. Over the years, the school expanded its facilities, including a significant extension in 1933 that added an assembly hall, gymnasium, dining hall, and workshops.
In 1967, the grammar school transitioned into a comprehensive boys' school through mergers with Priory Vale Secondary Modern School and later William Forster School. Despite these efforts, the school faced challenges and ultimately closed in 1983. The original buildings were demolished, and the site was redeveloped into Stationers' Park and residential housing, preserving the legacy of the school's contribution to the community.
Key dates
1858
Stationers’ Company’s Foundation School founded (as a Voluntary Aided School) for boys.
1858
Headmaster: Alexander Kennedy Isbister.
1861
15th March - (grammar) School established at Bolt Court (near Fleet Street).
1861
Number of boys on school roll: 66.
1880
Headmaster: Henry Chettle (note about nearby Chettle Court).
1887
Number of boys on school roll: 180.
1893
21st July – School in Bolt Court Closes.
1893
School relocated to Mayfield Road, Hornsey - 18th September Temporary premises on the corner of Denton & Ridge Road.
1894
Permanent building opens.
1902
Education Act introduces the Local Education Authorities (LEA).
1906
Number of boys on school roll: 350.
1909
Governors: 6 Middlesex County Council; 5 Hornsey Borough Council; 8 Stationers’ Company.
1910
Number of boys on school roll: 259.
1910?
Building extension in the original style.
1913
Headmaster: Major John Huck OBE.
1914
Acting Headmaster: E Newsome.
1915
Number of boys on school roll: 400.
1918
Number of Old stationers’ killed during WWI – 133 (out of 800 who fought).
1919
Number of boys on school roll: 440 (with a waiting list of 78).
1921
Number of boys on school roll: 515.
1922
Memorial organ and name boards installed in the Assembly Hall.
1933
School was extended and a new assembly hall, gymnasium, dining hall and workshops were accommodated in a new brick extension on Mayfield Road.
1936
Headmaster: SC Nunn.
1938
Playing Fields at Winchmore Hill purchased.
1938
Extension to the school.
1939
School evacuated to Wisbech Grammar School, Cambridgeshire.
1942
School returns to Hornsey.
1945
Number of Old stationers’ killed during WWII – 119 (out of 1221 who served).
1950
Memorial Window dedicated in the Assembly Hall.
1962
Headmaster: Robert Baynes.
1964
Became a Voluntary Controlled School (previously Voluntary Aided).
1966
4.5% of pupils from recent immigrant families.
1966
Number of boys on school roll: 800.
1967
Becomes a Comprehensive School (enrolment at that time was 1100).
1967
‘Rivington’ house added (to sit alongside the existing Bishop; Hodgson; Meredith; Norton and Caxton houses.
1973
25% of pupils from recent immigrant families.
1974
Number of boys on school roll: 1300.
1977
School numbers (locally and nationally) decline and a number of schools across the borough were ear-marked for closure.
1979
69% of pupils from recent immigrant families (embracing up to 25 ‘mother tongues’).
1982
School becomes a ‘Maintained School – so ending formal association with the Stationers’ Company.
1982
Secretary of State approves the closure of the school – despite a vigorous campaign to save it including a petition of 25,000 names.
1983
Headmaster: Stanley Read.
1983
School closed – 1st September formally merged with William Forster School (in Tottenham) – forming The Langham School.
1984
Upper Buildings Demolished.
1987
Site converted to Stationers Park.
Join the OSA
'proud to be Stationers'
Join the OSA and continue to enjoy the fellowship and friendship.
We warmly encourage all former pupils of Stationers' Company's School to join the Old Stationers’ Association. The Association offers a valuable opportunity to stay in touch with fellow alumni, take part in reunions and events, and remain connected to the shared history and traditions of the School.
Your involvement helps keep the spirit of the School alive within a supportive and enduring community.