St Albans School is a public school in St Albans, England. Founded in 948 by Abbott Wulsin, St Albans School is one of the oldest schools in the UK. The School remained under the control of the Abbots until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539. Ten years later, in 1549, by a private Act of Parliament, the last Abbot was granted the right to establish a Grammar school, subsequently maintained by the Mayor and burgesses of the city.
The school was moved to the gateway building of the former monastery in 1871 and has since been expanded with additional buildings.
When the Direct Grant system was abolished in 1975, the school became fully independent.
The school operates a house system, whereby all members of the school are split into 4 houses that compete in a range of sporting and other activities.
The Headmaster since 1993 has been Andrew Grant.
Studets of Note
- Nicholas Breakspeare, better known as Pope Adrian IV
- Alexander Neckam, scientist and teacher
- Matthew Paris, historian and monk
- William Cowper, 1st Baron Cowper. Lord Chancellor of Great Britain.
- Sir Thomas Spencer Wells, surgeon
- Charles Williams (1886-1945), poet, novelist, and theological writer
- Ralph Chubb (1892-1960), poet, printer, artist
- Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn, archaeologist
- Stephen Hawking, cosmologist
- Sir Tim Rice, lyricist
- Mike Newell, film director
- Rod Argent, musician and songwriter
Ex-students of St Albans School, referred to as 'Old Albanians', are eligible for membership in the school's masonic lodge, number 4999. This lodge is also called 'Old Albanian'.
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