300 Year Anniversary | Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS)
Source: https://www.swps.org.uk/life-at-swps/community/300-years
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
300 Year Anniversary | Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS)
Skip to content
Book a visit
300 Year Anniversary
Sir William Perkins's School marks a milestone in its rich history.
The School, which has a long, pioneering tradition of adapting to the changing educational landscape, was founded in 1725 by merchant Sir William Perkins as a School for ’25 poor boys’. Eleven years later, girls were also admitted for ‘free education and clothing.’ In 1944, SWPS became one of the first voluntary-aided girls’ grammar schools in the country and by 1978 it had broken away from local authority control to become a fully independent educational foundation.
The tercentenary year has been marked by a series of memorable events that united the school community. Highlights include a Founder’s Day, a 300-themed Jamboree Day, an Alumni Afternoon Tea, the 300 Book Reading Challenge, a bikeathon covering 1,500km raising over £1,500 for charity, and a music concert at Sinfonia Smith Square in London. Year 7 students also took part in Curiosity Week, a cross-curricular programme themed around the 300th anniversary, with their work contributing to the SWPS history exhibition at Chertsey Museum. From uncovering a historic school bell to the ongoing search for the founder’s missing portrait, each initiative has celebrated SWPS’s rich heritage and forward-looking spirit.
As we look ahead, our Pioneer students will carry forward the school’s long-standing spirit of innovation. In 2026, the first Pioneer cohort of girls and boys will join Year 7 and Year 12, marking a significant milestone in our 300-year story. These students will help write the next chapter of SWPS history, shaping new traditions, experiences and opportunities for generations to come.
Founder’s Day
Our first-ever Founder’s Day was a truly memorable occasion, bringing to a close a year of celebrations marking 300 years since Sir William Perkins founded our school.
The week began with tree-planting around the school and culminated with the final tree being planted by the Head, Ms Picton, and the Mayor of Runnymede, symbolising growth, legacy, and a bright future.
The commemorative service at Guildford Cathedral united our entire SWPS community in a moving reflection of our history and shared values. Beautiful performances from the Symphony Orchestra, Vox Choir, Community Choir, and Chamber Strings and Percussion Ensemble filled the cathedral, whilst alumni Anna Leach shared her reflections on her time at SWPS and Dr Christabel Mosley, delivered a thoughtful reading.
A special moment came as candles, kindly gifted by the Tallow Chandlers Livery Company, were lit, each flame representing a century of learning, light, and community.
Our sincere thanks go to the Friends of Sir William Perkins’s School, whose support helped make this milestone celebration possible, and to every student, staff member, parent, and alumni who took part.
Founder’s Day now stands as a cherished tradition, one that connects our past, celebrates our present, and looks confidently toward the next 300 years of SWPS.
SWPS Archive
SWPS Alumni
Perkonian Instagram
Continue your
journey
Life at SWPS
Skip to content
Book a visit
300 Year Anniversary
Sir William Perkins's School marks a milestone in its rich history.
The School, which has a long, pioneering tradition of adapting to the changing educational landscape, was founded in 1725 by merchant Sir William Perkins as a School for ’25 poor boys’. Eleven years later, girls were also admitted for ‘free education and clothing.’ In 1944, SWPS became one of the first voluntary-aided girls’ grammar schools in the country and by 1978 it had broken away from local authority control to become a fully independent educational foundation.
The tercentenary year has been marked by a series of memorable events that united the school community. Highlights include a Founder’s Day, a 300-themed Jamboree Day, an Alumni Afternoon Tea, the 300 Book Reading Challenge, a bikeathon covering 1,500km raising over £1,500 for charity, and a music concert at Sinfonia Smith Square in London. Year 7 students also took part in Curiosity Week, a cross-curricular programme themed around the 300th anniversary, with their work contributing to the SWPS history exhibition at Chertsey Museum. From uncovering a historic school bell to the ongoing search for the founder’s missing portrait, each initiative has celebrated SWPS’s rich heritage and forward-looking spirit.
As we look ahead, our Pioneer students will carry forward the school’s long-standing spirit of innovation. In 2026, the first Pioneer cohort of girls and boys will join Year 7 and Year 12, marking a significant milestone in our 300-year story. These students will help write the next chapter of SWPS history, shaping new traditions, experiences and opportunities for generations to come.
Founder’s Day
Our first-ever Founder’s Day was a truly memorable occasion, bringing to a close a year of celebrations marking 300 years since Sir William Perkins founded our school.
The week began with tree-planting around the school and culminated with the final tree being planted by the Head, Ms Picton, and the Mayor of Runnymede, symbolising growth, legacy, and a bright future.
The commemorative service at Guildford Cathedral united our entire SWPS community in a moving reflection of our history and shared values. Beautiful performances from the Symphony Orchestra, Vox Choir, Community Choir, and Chamber Strings and Percussion Ensemble filled the cathedral, whilst alumni Anna Leach shared her reflections on her time at SWPS and Dr Christabel Mosley, delivered a thoughtful reading.
A special moment came as candles, kindly gifted by the Tallow Chandlers Livery Company, were lit, each flame representing a century of learning, light, and community.
Our sincere thanks go to the Friends of Sir William Perkins’s School, whose support helped make this milestone celebration possible, and to every student, staff member, parent, and alumni who took part.
Founder’s Day now stands as a cherished tradition, one that connects our past, celebrates our present, and looks confidently toward the next 300 years of SWPS.
SWPS Archive
SWPS Alumni
Perkonian Instagram
Continue your
journey
Life at SWPS