We are proud of our heritage and our reputation earned over many decades.
1939
Teaching begins in Claydon House School
At the outbreak of the Second World War, Eric Millard is a teacher at The Hall Preparatory School in Hampstead. Assuming that London will soon be a target for German bombs, worried parents ask him to take a small number of boys to Claydon House School in North Buckinghamshire. Mr Millard agrees but, when the threatened bombing raids fail to materialise, he brings the boys back to London.
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1940
Relocation to Waterperry House
In September, as the Battle of Britain subsides, London finally becomes a target for daily bombing raids. The Blitz has begun. The lives of the boys are once more entrusted to Mr Millard, who this time takes them to Waterperry House near Oxford.
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1941
The Long Close School is formed
Others soon join the evacuees and in June they move to a new site at Farnham Royal. This now becomes known as ‘The Long Close School’.
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1945
The School becomes permanent
The reputation of the school attracts more boys – boarders from London and day boys from the local area – so that by the end of the war, there are 66 boys in attendance. What started out as a temporary establishment has become a much valued new school. Accordingly, when the lease at Farnham Royal comes to an end, Mr Millard decides to move Long Close to permanent premises in Upton – in the former home of Queen Victoria’s dentist – where it remains today.
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1961
David Turner joins
David Turner joins Long Close School as a Junior Assistant Master. Married to Mary, daughter of Mr Millard, Turner rises through the ranks to become Deputy Head.
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1971
David Millard retires
Over thirty years after first helping to evacuate boys from war-torn London, Eric Millard retires as Headmaster, to be replaced by his son-in-law David Turner.
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1998
A record number of pupils, both boys and girls
Under the careful stewardship of David and Mary Turner, Long Close evolves to meet the needs of a changing world. By 1988, when the couple retires, there are no longer any boarders, but there are a record number of pupils, including both boys and girls, with ages ranging from 3 to 13.
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2004
Long Close joins Cognita
Long Close School becomes part of Cognita – a worldwide group of schools founded by Sir Chris Woodhead, former head of Ofsted. The number of pupils gradually increases to over 300, with the Senior School opening in September 2006. Long Close retains a close-knit family feel and respect for its heritage and traditions.
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2021
Celebrating 80 years
Long Close School officially celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2021 with events for alumni and current families.
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