Pupils have returned to Repton School for another year of studies, sports, creativity, and fun. Having celebrated outstanding A Level and BTEC results, the 2023 leavers have now moved on to an array of notable higher-education opportunities.
As these young people move forward in their education careers, Repton has welcomed a new cohort of pupils to join the vibrant School community.
Here, Head Mark Semmence reflects on Repton’s impressive history and the transition into the new academic year.
The “Reliable Peace” of Repton School’s Historic Site
New and returning pupils feel a strong affection for Repton, in part inspired by the beautiful school buildings and grounds.
Semmence refers to a “particular type of contentment” that pupils can enjoy by walking through Repton’s tranquil grounds and architectural buildings: “They have rarely looked finer… with striking modernity complementing the ancient stones of our oldest structures,” he says.
Learning in the here and now, pupils may not always be conscious of those who enjoyed their school days in the same location over the past thousand years. They may not pay heed to the 800-year history of the Old Priory, which Maud, Countess of Chester, founded as a guest house in 1172.
But the “reliable peace” of the Library cultivates the ideal environment for revising, an environment that pupils and monks have enjoyed for centuries.
This sense of peace extends across the School, which has preserved its impressive history and heritage. Modern facilities complement the School’s historic buildings on the site that dates back to the year of c660.
These buildings include Pears School, the Chapter Block, the Sanatorium (now the Music School), the Porter’s Lodge, and the red-brick classrooms that overlook the Paddock (all built between 1883 and 1900).
Before the construction of these buildings, in 1854, the Head of the time Dr Steuart Adolphus Pears oversaw several building projects. These projects, including work on the Chapel, reformed some of the buildings still in use at Repton today.
Going back yet further, the Priory Gatehouse dates back to 1250. Some of this arch still stands at Repton’s entrance.
Repton School’s Royal History
Architectural history aside, Repton’s royal history extends back over more than 1,300 years.
- At least two Saxon kings are buried here.
- King Edward I stayed in the Old Priory for four nights when it was a guest house.
- King Edward VI knighted Sir John Port, Repton’s founder, on his coronation. Port also sat in the first Parliament of Queen Mary.
- During Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, Repton celebrated with a firework display and by planting an oak tree.
The School has upheld its Royal connections ever since, with Queen Elizabeth II paying Repton a visit in March 1957.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Visit to Repton School
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Repton to celebrate the School’s 400-year anniversary. They arrived on a sunny day, and pupils greeted them with Union Jack flags.
Queen Elizabeth explored Repton’s Museum, Audit Room, and Library. She then named a new path, “The Queen’s Walk,” and planted a royal oak, while Prince Philip planted a mulberry tree. They finished their trip with lunch in the School Hall and an honorary service in the Chapel. Queen Elizabeth also granted Repton an additional four days of holiday.
Repton School’s Other Royal Connections
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip aren’t the only Royals to have visited Repton. Other royal visitors include Katharine, Duchess of Kent and Prince Edward, the new Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Edward has visited twice, once in 2007 and then again in 2013 to open Repton’s state-of-the-art Science Priory.
On top of this, Geoffrey Fisher, Repton’s Head from 1914-1932, also served as the Archbishop of Canterbury. He officiated Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s wedding, conducted Queen Elizabeth’s coronation ceremony, and christened King Charles.
While Fisher conducted Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, Repton alumnus Michael Ramsey was also in attendance. He had been a pupil under Fisher and went on to succeed him as Archbishop.
Another three alumni also attended: Sir Arthur Cochrane (Clarenceaux King of Arms at the College of Arms in London), Canon Smyth, and the Reverend Hildyard, who carried the Cross of Westminster.
Ceremonies of Remembrance and Thanksgiving
Semmence reflects that Repton may never have felt the impact of history as much as when Queen Elizabeth passed away in September 2022, especially given the School’s strong connection with the Royal Family.
He explains that Repton hosts its ceremonies of remembrance and thanksgiving in the Chapel and the Garth. He describes these locations as “places of antiquity and beauty.”
Each year, Semmence shares the same message at the Founder’s Day Service. During this service, the Repton community recalls and thanks those from generations that “have built truly and wisely that invisible building of the spirit wherein we walk today.”
Repton’s 2023 leavers have now joined this long list of individuals. They are building their futures on the “strong foundations of the past.” They have made memories and left an impact on Repton, even if they don’t realise the effect they have had on themselves and others.
“We will remember them with gratitude and welcome them back with pleasure to a place that will always be theirs,” Semmence says.
Now that Repton has welcomed new pupils for the 2023-24 year, the School community will evolve once again. “The annual seasonal and academic renewal is a wonderfully sustaining thing, making tradition fresh and individual,” Semmence says.
About Repton School
Repton School is a prestigious day and boarding school in Derbyshire that has preserved its rich history and enhanced its historic site with several new facilities and amenities.
Having combined with Repton Prep to form a through-school, Repton enables children aged 3 to 18 to enjoy a seamless education all the way from preschool to A Level. Pupils enjoy learning a host of traditional and contemporary subjects as they prepare for higher education in all fields.
