Highgate School history

The History of Highgate School

Highgate School was established in 1565 by a Royal Charter of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the First. Sir Roger Cholmeley, our Founder, was granted Letters Patent to found ‘a grammar school…for good education and instruction’.

The external appearance of the majority of the Senior School buildings originates from the nineteenth century, constructed under the dynamic leadership of the Head Master, Rev. John Bradley Dyne (1838-1874). This includes the notable North London landmark of the School Chapel, which dominates the western end of Highgate High Street.

The Junior School was also founded in the nineteenth century and moved to its present site on Bishopswood Road in 1938. The Pre-Preparatory School opened in 1993 and, like the Junior School, enjoys a beautiful aspect over the main school playing fields towards Hampstead Heath.

Former pupils of the School remain part of the School community by automatically becoming members of the Cholmeleian Society. The Society organises sports teams, social events and reunions throughout the year, and the global family of Cholmeleians are an incredibly valuable source of advice, support and comradeship for all pupils moving on from Highgate.