School History

Whitgift School has a long and fascinating history. Many of the values of the founder, John Whitgift, are still felt at the heart of the School today.

In March 1596, John Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury laid the foundation stones of his hospital at North End, Croydon for the poor. Attached to the hospital was a grammar school conducted by the chief official of the hospital – the schoolmaster and chaplain. The School, which opened in 1600, paved the way for the ‘Whitgift’ of today. 

Please click on the numbered points on the timeline below to find out more.