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History

2023

September 4

New Classrooms

In 2023, TaskSpace designed and delivered three unique classrooms by reconfiguring the old spaces to create optimised learning environments for pupils. Creative bench seating was introduced in the science lab, in a funky molecular style, while maintaining all the practical facilities in their existing locations to minimise cost and complexity of the project. Within the Art room, it was key to make the most of the light in the space as well as create better storage – this concept was mirrored in the Maths room and ensured the space met the criteria of a form room and classroom.

2017

April 1

The Food Studio

On the 10th July 2017, work began on the new Food Studio; a dedicated space to enable the girls to fully embrace the food technology curriculum and to learn invaluable life skills. Tons of earth and London clay were excavated in order to create a room which would exist below the level of the existing terrace and so minimise the impact on the overall footprint of the playground and other areas. Work was successfully completed in April 2018 and the result is a fantastic light and airy space that integrates seamlessly into the existing building. On 26th April, Cook and…Read More

1995

September 1

New Building

In the early 1990s, the Governors announced exciting plans to move the school to a new building further down Eton Avenue. The staff were involved in the planning and development of ideas for the new building and in 1994 the whole school attended a ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone. A time capsule was then buried in the far corner of the new gym, which may be found by future generations if this building is ever demolished. The time capsule contents include coins, a fountain pen, some of the school uniform, letters written by the girls at the…Read More

1960

September 1

New Beginnings

Sarum Hall girls have always participated in sports activities, opportunities that were not available at all girls’ schools in the first half of the 20th century. The original school had a gymnasium and organised annual sports days at Hampstead Heath Extension. In those days the prizes were real silver and consisted of items such as cups, spoons, clocks and candlesticks. Upon the retirement of Miss Webb in 1960, the school became a charitable trust.

1945

January 1

War and Evacuation

In 1939, at the outbreak of war, the school was evacuated to Whatcombe House in Dorset. Unfortunately the evacuation was unsuccessful, only lasting about one term. The conditions, including cooking facilities, were far from ideal and the bombing in the Hampstead area of London was not as bad as expected, so many parents wanted their children back home with them. Following the short evacuation, the school was forced to close and reopened again in 1945, following repairs to the building caused by war damage.

1933

September 1

Revolutionary and Traditional

When the school first opened the girls were delighted to find a modern, even revolutionary, style of uniform. Most girls’ schools at that time had the typical ‘gym’ tunic. Sarum Hall School girls, however, had pleated kilts and warm jumpers in the winter and pretty cotton dresses in various shades of green during the summer months. In 1933 deportment ties were introduced as a means of distinguishing those whose general carriage was particularly good at all times. These ties were dark green with light green stripes and girls who were awarded them were allowed to wear them instead of the…Read More

1929

January 1

Founded in 1929

Sarum Hall School was founded in September 1929 at 51 Eton Avenue, Belsize Park by Miss Violet E Webb, the first Headmistress. Miss Webb had been a pupil at the Godolphin School in Salisbury and named Sarum Hall School after that town – Sarum is the Roman name for Salisbury. The first term began with just seven pupils; double that number enrolled for the second term and at the beginning of the second year there were 28 pupils. The oldest year group that started at Sarum Hall School in 1929 had just three pupils in it all the way up…Read More

HEADMISTRESSES

Miss Karen Coles – 2022-present day

Miss Victoria Savage – 2019-2022

Mrs Christine Smith – 2008-2019

Mrs Jane Scott – 2000-2008

Lady Sandra Smith-Gordon – 1984-2000

Miss Jan Rowell – 1965-1984

Miss Rosemary Minnis – 1960-1965

Miss Violet E. Webb – 1929-1960

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“Why did we choose Sarum Hall? Its reputation and our observations on the school’s value system and pastoral care, and how they raise the girls in addition to educating them. Also their commitment to music, the arts and extra-curricular activities.”

Sarum Hall School parent

“I think she is being extremely well taught in a very nurturing environment.”

Sarum Hall parent

“My daughter is happy and enjoys her school experience immensely. She often surprises us with the breadth of her knowledge.”

Sarum Hall parent

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