Towers Convent School
| Motto |
Semper fidelis ("Always faithful") |
|---|---|
| Established | 1903 |
| Type | Independent day and boarding |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Head | Carole Baker |
| Chair of Governors | Sr Mary Andrew Fulgoney |
| Location |
Henfield Road Steyning West Sussex BN44 3TF England |
| DfE number | 938/6138 |
| DfE URN | 126124 Tables |
| Students | 330~ |
| Gender | Girls; Boys (ages 2-8) |
| Ages | 2–16 |
| Website | www.towers.w-sussex.sch.uk |
Towers Convent School is an independent Roman Catholic day and boarding school for girls aged 2-16 and boys up to age 8 in Upper Beeding near Steyning, West Sussex, England. Housed in a handsome French chateau, it is located in the semi-rural outskirts of Steyning, about 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Shoreham-by-Sea.
History
Towers Convent School was founded by nuns of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. They had left France for England to escape the increasing anti-religion environment and found The Towers a suitable place to open a convent. The first pupils arrived from France in 1903 to begin classes. After renting The Towers for several years, through Mrs Elizabeth Maling Wynch (later became Sister Mary Agnes), the Sisters bought the property.
During World War II the school was not evacuated but the Sisters lived in perpetual fear of being bombed, given their proximity to the coastline. Sele Court, a nearby building, was used by the 3rd Canadian Division and 15th Scottish Division as temporary accommodation in preparation for the D-Day landings. Prior to their departure, the men often took part in the convent's chapel services.
After the War ended, the school went through a period of modernisation and development. Sele Court was purchased and now houses the junior school. Modern amenities such as a gymnasium, science labs and a new library were added. In 2003, a century after school was founded, the first lay head (and incumbent), Carole Baker, was appointed.
The Towers
Towers Convent takes its name from the building and its surrounding premises it occupies. Records indicate that "The Towers" has existed at least as far back as 1750 although it is believed to have pre-existed this date. It was once owned by the Lord of the Manor of Beeding. The Towers was sold to a Mr George Smith during the 1870s. The original building was completed in 1883 and was described as a "monument to Victorian extravagance" or "Smith's folly" due to its high construction cost (for that time). The Towers was turned into a hunting lodge before the Sisters took over.[1] The original buildings were designated Grade II listed buildings in 1980.[2]
References
- ↑ History of The Towers
- ↑ The Towers Convent - British Listed Buildings