An education for life
Clifton High School was founded in 1877 by the first Headmaster of Clifton College, John Percival, whose wish was for his only daughter Bessie to be educated. As Clifton College was steadfastly a male-only environment, he joined forces with like-minded visionaries to create a girls’ school. Our School was incorporated on the 12th September 1877, first opening its doors at 65 Pembroke Road on 24th January 1878, before moving to the current site in January 1879. Today, we are a thriving co-educational School consisting of approximately 800 pupils aged 3-18 years.
Our historical foundation does not derive from a generous endowment or legacy but the simple will of a few people to provide a first-class education.
The initial expenses of the School were met by issuing 200 shares at £20 each (approximately £2,000 today), the shareholders gaining no dividend, instead earning the right to nominate a pupil to Clifton High School.
We are incredibly grateful to parents, friends and our alumni network, the Clifton Rosarians, for supporting the School through philanthropy and charitable initiatives over decades.
From individual gifts, transformative bursaries and scholarships to funding large scale projects and appeals for our Swimming Pool, Library and Music Department, their generosity support has enabled us to evolve and meet the needs of young people and their education in today’s world.
As part of our 150th anniversary, the School will launch an online digital archive which will be accessible through the Clifton High School Foundation website. In the meantime please explore our History through our interactive timeline.
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