Last Friday saw a momentous occasion for the school as “The Peter Brooks Building” was officially opened by the Right Honourable Chris Grayling, MP for Epsom & Ewell, in front of the Mayor, guests and governors, pupils and parents. Mr Brooks joined the school in 1976 and became Headmaster in 1992; he retired after 42 years of service in July 2017, his final initiative being to suggest the increase in age range for pupils at the school up to sixteen.
Mr Grayling reflected upon his first visit to Kingswood House several years ago, when facilities were less modern than today, and commented:
‘The transformation is startling; it is a wonderful building with marvellous facilities. Congratulations to all involved in the design and build. Congratulations also to Mr Brooks, who is a distinguished former Headmaster, and thoroughly deserves this accolade’.
Mr Peter Brooks also spoke briefly:
“I am deeply humbled and proud to have this building named after me – but it is a little strange too! ’
Mr Chris Shipley, Chairman of Governors, told guests:
“The governors are delighted to have this new facility to enhance our Senior Years, where boys can continue their education through to GSCE in a supportive environment, and now with exceptional teaching facilities, here at Kingswood House.”
The ambition of this project, which was remarkably completed by Darwin Construction in under 20 weeks, has now been realised with the bespoke accommodation on offer for our senior boys. Furthermore, in the last five years, the School has also opened a new Upper Prep Department (2013) and a new Lower Prep Department (2014) as well as new Humanities classrooms (2014) and a fully-equipped Design & Technology suite (2018) – with a total investment of over £2.5M. In addition to modern classrooms, the Peter Brooks Building houses a library, an Art studio, a seminar room, offices for divisional heads and a Year 11 Common Room.
