In the closing years of the nineteenth century, Beckenham was transforming from a Kentish village into a prosperous suburb of London. At 22 Oakwood Avenue stood Merton House School, run by an Oxford don from Merton College. But bigger ambitions were taking shape just next door.
In 1895, construction began on a larger school building. The following year, 1896, George Philbrick – a Cambridge man from Clare College – opened the doors to Clare House School. The name honored his alma mater, and the school’s motto reflected his philosophy: ‘Age bene quod agis‘ “Whatever you do, do it well.”
Building a Reputation
Philbrick lived in the Headmaster’s house with his large family, eventually adding an extra storey to accommodate them – though the planning left something to be desired, with upper rooms suffering from poor water pressure!
Clare House quickly developed a particular reputation: it became known as a suitable place for Royal Navy officers to send their sons. The education required to follow one’s father into the Navy wasn’t always particularly demanding academically, and young gentlemen learned what they truly needed from the Navy itself. But Clare House provided the proper foundation and, importantly, the right social environment.
The school acquired land, built facilities including a gymnasium (dated 1897), and established traditions that would endure for decades. Sports, discipline, character-building – these were the pillars of Clare House education alongside academics.
Changing Hands
After George Philbrick’s death, the school faced uncertainty. A consortium of former pupils and Beckenham businessmen took over management, appointing one of their number as Senior Master. But running a preparatory school proved more challenging than they had anticipated.
The school began a gradual decline. Despite its ready supply of naval families happy to pay for the “right” education, management struggled. Clare House came perilously close to liquidation.
The Gladstone Era Begins
Salvation came from an unexpected quarter. Robin Gladstone – of the famous political family – was at that time Headmaster of the nearby Abbey School in Beckenham. In a move that would tie the two schools’ fates together for the next three decades, Gladstone purchased the goodwill of Clare House.
He appointed Cyril Crump as the new Headmaster, though this arrangement wasn’t made public until 1939. Crump and his staff set about breathing new life into the struggling school.
By the late 1930s, their efforts were bearing fruit. The school was flourishing again. In 1936, a significant appointment was made: Mr. A. W. E. (John) Hodges joined as Assistant Master. In practice, he was effectively running the school.
On the Eve of War
The transformation was remarkable. In 1938, a block of seven new classrooms was built. The old Nissen hut that had housed Sixth Form lessons and carpentry classes was removed. New desks, chairs, and equipment were purchased – all from the school’s own income.
Clare House was full. It needed two cooks – sisters from Newcastle – to feed everyone. The facilities were modern, the academic standards high, the playing fields immaculate.
Standing on the edge of the 1940s, Clare House Preparatory School was a picture of success and stability. But the world was about to change, and the school with it.
Next Up: The War Years (1940-1946)