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The '''Royal Hospital School''', (usually shortened as '''"RHS"''' and historically nicknamed '''''"The Cradle of the Navy"'''''<ref name="nmm.ac.uk">[http://www.nmm.ac.uk/server/show/conWebDoc.6490 The Royal Hospital School gallery : On display : Exhibitions : What's on : Visit the museum : NMM<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>), is a leading,<ref>www.royalhospitalschool.org</ref><ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=oHGMo4t4cUMC&dq=Education+and+Empire-Naval+Tradition+and+England's+Elite+Schooling&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=lF2z8rSKEb&sig=bTN8RR5FBWEmziXFAZcWz-Sj4og&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result#PPP9,M1</ref> "five star",<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/3356392/Boarding-school-five-star-bred-and-board.html</ref> [[United Kingdom|British]] [[co-educational]] [[Independent school (UK)|independent]] [[boarding school]], the largest in [[East Anglia]] and the oldest [[military school]] in the [[United Kingdom]]. It admits pupils from age 11 to 18 (years 7 to 13) throughout the United Kingdom and abroad through a competitive admissions process. [[The College of William & Mary]], located in the [[United States]], is the sister institution.<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Greenwich Hospital School: A Brief History of The Royal Hospital School | work = | publisher = Mariners | date = March 5, 2003 | url = http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/GreenwichRoyal.html| format = | doi = | accessdate = February 9, 2009}}</ref> [[Acts of Parliament]] from the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland]] legislates the school.
The '''Royal Hospital School''', (usually shortened as '''"RHS"''' and historically nicknamed '''''"The Cradle of the Navy"'''''<ref name="nmm.ac.uk">[http://www.nmm.ac.uk/server/show/conWebDoc.6490 The Royal Hospital School gallery : On display : Exhibitions : What's on : Visit the museum : NMM<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>), is a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[co-educational]] [[Independent school (UK)|independent]] [[boarding school]], the largest in [[East Anglia]] and the oldest [[military school]] in the [[United Kingdom]]. It admits pupils from age 11 to 18 (years 7 to 13) through [[Common Entrance]] or the school's own exam. [[The College of William & Mary]], located in the [[United States]], is the sister institution.<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Greenwich Hospital School: A Brief History of The Royal Hospital School | work = | publisher = Mariners | date = March 5, 2003 | url = http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/GreenwichRoyal.html| format = | doi = | accessdate = February 9, 2009}}</ref> The school is regulated by [[Acts of Parliament in the United Kingdom|Acts of Parliament]]<ref>[http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1865/cukpga_18650089_en_1 Greenwich Hospital Act 1865]</ref>.


It is located in the village of [[Holbrook, Suffolk|Holbrook]], near [[Ipswich]], [[Suffolk]], England, United Kingdom. The school's campus is of [[Queen Anne style]] and set in {{convert|200|acre|km2}} of countryside, overlooking out the [[River Stour, Suffolk|River Stour]] on the [[Shotley|Shotley Peninsula]] in an area known as [[John Constable|Constable Country]].
It is located in the village of [[Holbrook, Suffolk|Holbrook]], near [[Ipswich]], [[Suffolk]], England, United Kingdom. The school's campus is of [[Queen Anne style]] and set in {{convert|200|acre|km2}} of countryside, overlooking out the [[River Stour, Suffolk|River Stour]] on the [[Shotley|Shotley Peninsula]] in an area known as [[John Constable|Constable Country]].
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The Royal Hospital School was established by a [[Royal Charter]] in 1694. It was originally located near [[Greenwich Hospital (London)|Greenwich Hospital]] in [[Greenwich]], which is now part of London. The school moved in 1933 to [[East Anglia]].
The Royal Hospital School was established by a [[Royal Charter]] in 1694. It was originally located near [[Greenwich Hospital (London)|Greenwich Hospital]] in [[Greenwich]], which is now part of London. The school moved in 1933 to [[East Anglia]].


As a [[Military school]], The Royal Hospital School is the oldest and largest military themed school in the United Kingdom among [[Pangbourne College]], [[Duke of York's Royal Military School]], [[Queen Victoria School]], [[Gordon's School]], [[Welbeck College]] and the defunct [[Indefatigable School]], [[Watts Naval School]], [[Royal Naval Asylum]] and [[Royal Naval College, Osborne]].
As a [[Military school]], The Royal Hospital School is the oldest and largest military themed school in the United Kingdom among [[Pangbourne College]], [[Duke of York's Royal Military School]], [[Queen Victoria School]], [[Gordon's School]], [[Welbeck College]] and the defunct [[Indefatigable School]], [[Watts Naval School]], [[Royal Naval Asylum]] and [[Royal Naval College, Osborne]]. It is also the largest boarding school in East Anglia.


The Royal Hospital School is the only independent school in the United Kingdom to have ever been continuously granted the [[royal standard|Queen's Banner]] and flies its own [[Blue ensign|Royal Hospital School Blue Ensign]], as well as being the only school in the United Kingdom to have the privilege of wearing Royal Navy uniforms.
The Royal Hospital School is the only independent school in the United Kingdom to have ever been continuously granted the [[royal standard|Queen's Banner]] and flies its own [[Blue ensign|Royal Hospital School Blue Ensign]], as well as being the only school in the United Kingdom to have the privilege of wearing Royal Navy uniforms.


The school is a [[Public_school#England.2C_Wales_and_Northern_Ireland|public school]], affiliated to the [[Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference]].
The Royal Hospital School is considered among Britain's most prestigious independent schools.<ref>[http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/story/0,,1637676,00.html Elite schools 'breached law' on fees | News crumb | EducationGuardian.co.uk<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Royal Hosptial School alumni have historically been leaders in the seafaring trade. Current "old boys" have been successful in many fields from the armed forces to theatre and the arts, athletics, academia, business and public service, with 100% of 98% of leavers who apply to university continuously accepted to the best universities. Therefore boasting one of the largest, most talented, most decorated and successful "old boys" group in the world.


==Overview==
==Overview==


The entire student body are [[cadets]] of a "Naval Division" via membership of a house, band or guard. [[Seafaring]] [[traditions]], are important and integral elements of school life. Royal Navy uniforms ([[sailor suit]]s) are issued to all pupils used for ceremonial, formal events, chapel services and occasionally for weekday lessons. [[School uniforms]] are used during weekday lessons, school travel and non ceremonial events. Uniform inspections are held every day by the house master, school prefects, house prefects and seniors. The uniform inspections is another unique Royal Hospital School tradition which demands high calibre maintenance of uniform and highly polished shoes. The Royal Hospital School has had the highest percentage of any school alumni serving in the [[Royal Navy]].{{Fact|date=February 2009}} The heritage is reflected by the school's privilege of earning both a naval [[ensign]] and a Royal Banner, which is the only independent school to have ever been given the honour.
The entire student body are [[cadets]] of a "Naval Division" via membership of a house, band or guard. [[Seafaring]] [[traditions]], are important and integral elements of school life. Royal Navy uniforms ([[sailor suit]]s) are issued to all pupils used for ceremonial, formal events, chapel services and occasionally for weekday lessons. [[School uniforms]] are used during weekday lessons, school travel and non ceremonial events. Uniform inspections are held every day by the house master, school prefects, house prefects and seniors, demanding high standards of maintenance{{fact|date=May 2009}}. The Royal Hospital School has historically had a very high percentage of its alumni serving in the [[Royal Navy]], and this heritage is reflected by the school's privilege of earning both a naval [[ensign]] and a Royal Banner; it is the only independent school to have ever been given this honour. The school has served as a model for several similar schools, academies and nautical colleges, such as [[Canadian Coast Guard College]].<ref>[http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/GreenwichRoyal.html Greenwich Royal Hospital School 1<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


The relationship with the Crown Charity, Greenwhich Hospital, the Royal Hospital School, as a collective organization has one of the largest financial endowment in UK.
The school is supported by the Crown naval charity, [[Greenwich Hospital (London)|Greenwich Hospital]]. As a collective organization, this has one of the largest financial endowments in UK.{{fact|date=May 2009}}


Leadership development is another distinctive feature of The Royal Hospital School derived from the naval background. [[Combined Cadet Force|Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines Combined Cadet Force]] along with the [[Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme]] are the most popular extracurricular activities at the Royal Hospital School. The Combined Cadet Force is unique as it also includes [[Her Majesty's Coastguard]] and [[St. John's Ambulance]]. [[HMS Illustrious (R06)|HMS Illustrious]] is affiliated with the CCF.{{fact|date=May 2009}}
The school outperforms the majority of UK schools in academics according to modern league tables.<ref>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/a_level_gcse_results/dcsf/</ref> Furthermore the all required athletic/P.E. program allows a sporting advantage among all leavers. The school have consistently filled county and national rosters and which school teams have successfully competed top UK schools. Some alumni have become top professional sportsmen and represented the nation such as [[Peter Richards (rugby union)|Peter Richards]].

Leadership development is another distinctive feature of The Royal Hospital School derived from the naval background. [[Combined Cadet Force|Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines Combined Cadet Force]] along with the [[Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme]] are the most popular extracurricular activities at the Royal Hospital School. The Combined Cadet Force is unique as it also includes [[Her Majesty's Coastguard]] and [[St. John's Ambulance]]. [[HMS Illustrious (R06)|HMS Illustrious]] is affiliated with the CCF.

It has a very long list of distinguished former pupils, particularly Royal Navy Officers and Royal Navy veterans. Several Royal Hospital School pupils have qualified for [[English Speaking Union]] exchange scholarships to America.

Although Royal Navy service is no longer a requirement, the Royal Hospital School still provides the largest proportion of Royal Navy officers of any school in England.{{Fact|date=February 2009}} The school has been a model of several other schools, academies, nautical colleges, such as [[Canadian Coast Guard College]].<ref>[http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/GreenwichRoyal.html Greenwich Royal Hospital School 1<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The Royal Hospital School is supported by the Crown naval charity [[Greenwich Hospital (London)|Greenwich Hospital]].

The Royal Hospital School is the largest boarding school in East Anglia.

The School Visitor is [[HRH Prince Andrew]], [[Duke of York|The Duke of York]].

Mr Henry Strutt is the Chairman of Governors, having replaced Commodore Bryan Burns [[CBE]] RN at the end of 2008.


[[Image:Royal Hospital School, Holbrook.jpg|thumb|right|400px|The front of the main building overlooking the sports pitches]]
[[Image:Royal Hospital School, Holbrook.jpg|thumb|right|400px|The front of the main building overlooking the sports pitches]]

The school is affiliated and accredited with [[Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference]], Boarding Schools' Association, Independent Schools Council, Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses of Independent Schools and Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools.

The Royal Hospital School uses the UK [[General Certificate of Education]].


The Royal Hospital School has a partnership with America's [[Colonial Colleges|second-oldest]] institution of higher education and "sister institution", [[The College of William and Mary]], [[Virginia]], USA.
The Royal Hospital School has a partnership with America's [[Colonial Colleges|second-oldest]] institution of higher education and "sister institution", [[The College of William and Mary]], [[Virginia]], USA.
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[[File:Boys of The Royal Hospital School.jpg|thumb|Boys of The Royal Hospital School, Greenwich c.1900]]
[[File:Boys of The Royal Hospital School.jpg|thumb|Boys of The Royal Hospital School, Greenwich c.1900]]


The Royal Hospital School at Greenwich was Britain's largest school of navigation and seamanship.<ref>http://www.nmm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/on-display/the-royal-hospital-school-gallery</ref>
The Royal Hospital School at Greenwich was Britain's largest school of navigation and seamanship.<ref>http://www.nmm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/on-display/the-royal-hospital-school-gallery</ref> It was founded by [[Royal charter]] to provide assistance and education to the orphans of seafarers in the [[Royal Navy|Royal]] and [[British Merchant Navy|Merchant]] Navies. Thus, until relatively recently, entry to the school was limited to the children or grandchildren of seafarers. Until the 1950s, boys of the school were also required to join the Royal or Merchant Navies and as such the education was very much maritime focused. However, this requirement has not been in force for some time, but the school has retained certain naval traditions such as [[Royal Navy uniform|Naval uniform]], divisions and an element of [[marching]].


== Greenwich Hospital ==
== Greenwich Hospital ==
[[File:The Greenwhich Pensioner.jpg|thumb|left|Greenwich Pensioner, 1845]]
[[File:The Greenwhich Pensioner.jpg|thumb|left|Greenwich Pensioner, 1845]]
The school was founded by Royal Charter and is maintained by Greenwich Hospital who support a number of pupils with bursaries who demonstrate sufficient charitable need. In recent years the number of pupils receiving bursaries has been cut dramatically in an effort to expand the school's wider national profile.
The school was founded by Royal Charter and is maintained by Greenwich Hospital who support a number of pupils with bursaries who demonstrate sufficient charitable need. The school also awards academic, sports, music and sailing scholarships, as well as bursaries to the children of [[seafarers]] in the [[Royal Navy]], [[Royal Marines]] or [[Merchant Navy]].<ref>[http://domain1241359.sites.fasthosts.com/default.asp?page=407 "2009/2010 Fees"]</ref>
The school also awards a number of scholarships annually based on achievement in sports, music and academics among other areas.


== Traditions ==
== Traditions ==
Many of the modern day Royal Hospital School traditions are associated with the Royal Navy or seafaring. The school's close ties with Greenwich Hospital are highly respected and valued in school life. "Sunset Ceremonies", marching to dining halls, polishing shoes, daily uniform inspections and Prefects referred to as "Petty Officers" demonstrate strong Naval traditions in daily life.
Many of the modern day Royal Hospital School traditions are associated with the Royal Navy or seafaring. The school's close ties with Greenwich Hospital are highly respected and valued in school life. "Sunset Ceremonies", marching to dining halls, polishing shoes, daily uniform inspections and [[Prefect]]s referred to as "Petty Officers" demonstrate strong Naval traditions in daily life.


===Uniforms===
===Naval uniforms===


As well as standard school uniform, pupils wear Naval uniforms for ceremonial occasions such as "Divisions". All boys are issued with Royal Navy junior rate Dress Blues. Until early 2008 Girls were issued with [[Women's Royal Naval Service]] Dress Blues. However, all girls now wear Royal Navy Dress Blues.
Unlike most schools in the UK the entire student body are issued with somesort of uniform and are not only used for lessons. All uniforms must be kept to "military standards" at all times of wear enforced by the prefects.

Typical sets of uniform are: No.1, school uniform, P.E. uniform and CCF uniform.

====Naval uniforms====

In ceremonial occasions such as "Divisions", every pupil wears a Naval uniform. All boys are issued with Royal Navy junior rate Dress Blues. Until early 2008 Girls were issued with [[Women's Royal Naval Service]] Dress Blues. However, all girls now wear Royal Navy Dress Blues.


All house prefects wear a chevron on their left arm.
All house prefects wear a chevron on their left arm.
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The Heads of School (one male and one female prefect) carry the rank of Warrant Officer (first class).
The Heads of School (one male and one female prefect) carry the rank of Warrant Officer (first class).

====School uniforms====

The 2004 Nelson leavers were the last Sixth Form group to wear the 1970s style [[blazer]] as a [[school uniform]]. The school uniform change is a legacy of former headmaster Nicholas Ward.

Juniors are only allowed to wear a blazer in formal occasions.

Seniors wear a blazer combo.

Sixth Forms wear a uniformed business suit with white shirts and prefect ties.

Until 2004 Sixth Form school prefects wear blazers with full school crests and Nelson House members wear distinct house badges as crests.

=== Sixth Form ===

The rigorous Sixth Form compliments the tradition of "academic excellence of the school". All Sixth Formers are trained to be prefects. Nearly 100% are accepted to universities or attend the armed services, every single year. A minority do not return for the Sixth Form but are replaced by exceptional new Sixth Formers which makes it an elite and disciplined academic environment.

The Sixth Form is an entry point for many new pupils. The academic reputation and the unique co curricular aspect of the school attracts some of the UK's top students. New Sixth Formers usually outnumber current pupils with winning school scholarships. The majority enter having interests in the armed services. With only a year's experience many Sixth Form entries have qualified and become school prefects. All new entries automatically become house prefects.

The sixth form are issued uniformed business suits as a distinction against the rest of the school and as an emphasis of prefectorial status. However only ranked school prefects wear Chief Petty Officer uniforms while all other Petty Officers wear a chevron.


===Music===
===Music===


The Royal Hospital School has a distinctive musical reputation. The school choir and student congregation has been called ''"The Holbrook Sound"''. [[Eternal Father, Strong to Save]] is a permanent hymn in Sunday services. All pupils are required to attend weekly congregation practice on Friday at 8:20 till 8:50 am.
The Royal Hospital School has a distinctive musical tradition, with all pupils required to attend weekly congregation practice on Friday at 8:20 till 8:50 am. The [[Chapel]] houses the third largest [[pipe organ]] in Europe. {{fact|date=May 2009}}

The [[Chapel]] houses the third largest [[pipe organ]] in Europe.


====Band====
====Band====
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*[[Eternal Father, Strong to Save]]
*[[Eternal Father, Strong to Save]]
*"Holbrook" composed for the school by life long supporter, Benjamin Britten
*"Holbrook" composed for the school by life long supporter, Benjamin Britten

===Leadership===

The [[Senior Prefect]] system is modelled on naval rank system. Becoming a prefect starts at fifth form. Virtually all [[sixth form]]ers are considered prefects. The prefect system is appointed by senior school leadership but is entirely student run.

Individual Houses have differing leadership positions. Common house leadership positions are Head of House, Head of Seniors, Head of Juniors, and Sport Captains.

Heads of School ([[Head Boy]] and [[Head Girl]]), Deputy Heads of School and School Prefects are designated only for Upper Sixth Formers.

The School Prefects, led by the Heads and Deputy Heads of School act as a link between the staff and pupil body and, as such must also aid with the smooth day to day running of the school.

===Heads of School and Deputy Heads of School===

Heads of School 2002-2003: Samuel Harrison & Sophie Fairclough <br />
Deputy Heads of School 2002-2003: George Wordley & Gemma McElroy

Heads of School 2003-2004: Tony Nicholson & Liz Polson<br />
Deputy Heads of School 2003-2004: Luke Baker & Victoria Stock

Heads of School 2004-2005: Samuel Payne & Katie Smith<br />
Deputy Heads of School 2004-2005: Matthew Walkerdine & Sarah Harrison

Heads of School 2005-2006: Nicholas Best & Hayley Gibbins<br />
Deputy Heads of School 2005-2006: Duncan Williams & Alice Gerard-Pearse

Heads of School 2006-2007: Seun Azeez & Freya Reeve<br />
Deputy Heads of School 2006-2007: Thomas Wood & Claire Kester

Heads of School 2007-2008: Thomas Batty & Alice Lambert<br />
Deputy Heads of School 2007-2008: Matthew Jones & Antonia Bourdillon

Heads of School 2008-2009: Angus Wyatt & Alexandra Hayes<br />
Deputy Heads of School 2008-2009: Philip Price & Charlotte Monk-Chipman


===William and Mary Scholars===
===William and Mary Scholars===
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*Royal Hospital School Association Weekend: Royal Hospital School Old Boys & Girls Annual Reunion.
*Royal Hospital School Association Weekend: Royal Hospital School Old Boys & Girls Annual Reunion.
*Commemoration Sunday: Leavers' Divisions and Chapel Service
*Commemoration Sunday: Leavers' Divisions and Chapel Service

===Scholarships===

*Sixth Form
*Music
*Athletic
*Seafaring
*Academic
*Military
*International
*Art

*William and Mary Scholar (Exchange)

The school operates through a means tested fees through Greenwhich Hospital's endowment and charitable heritage of the school.


== Royal Foundation ==
== Royal Foundation ==
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* [[Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon|Queen Mother]] - presented the Royal Banner to the Royal Hospital School.
* [[Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon|Queen Mother]] - presented the Royal Banner to the Royal Hospital School.
* [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|Prince Andrew]] - "School Visitor" since 1992.
* [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|Prince Andrew]] - "School Visitor" since 1992.

== Campus buildings ==
* Chapel
* Dining Hall
* Main Academic Building
* Infirmary
* Mortuary
* Music School
* Holbrook House
* CCF


== Houses (Divisions) ==
== Houses (Divisions) ==
All 11 Houses or Divisions, at the Royal Hospital School are named in honour of a famous seafarer. Each house, is in the shape of an ‘H’ with a more modern extension where the housemaster or mistress lives built onto the front. Collingwood House was the latest to receive a multi-million pound refurbishment after the Anson House refurbishment was completed.
All 11 Houses or Divisions, at the Royal Hospital School are named in honour of a famous seafarer.

Most boys and girls join the School at the age of eleven or thirteen and will live on the ‘junior side’ of the house. In years seven to nine they live in bed clusters of four, known as ‘cubies’ and then as they grow older they are accommodated in small double studies and then larger doubles as they move towards the top of the house. In some cases the older pupils do have single rooms, although most enjoy the 'camaraderie' of sharing.
The boarding houses and colours:
The boarding houses and colours:
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=== Upper Sixth ===
=== Upper Sixth ===
* [[Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson|Nelson]]
* [[Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson|Nelson]]

== Royal Charter ==
The aim of the royal charter was to provide assistance and education to the orphans of seafarers in the [[Royal Navy|Royal]] and [[British Merchant Navy|Merchant]] Navies. Thus, until relatively recently, entry to the school was limited to the children or grandchildren of seafarers. Now, although it is not exclusively seafarers' children or grandchildren, there is still a subsidy to the school fees of these students. Until the 1950s, boys of the school were also required to join the Royal or Merchant Navies and as such the education was very much maritime focused. However, this requirement has not been in force for some time, but the school has retained certain naval traditions such as number 1 dress, divisions and an element of marching.

The school has a marching and concert band, a choir, an orchestra, a ceremonial guard and a Community Action Team, composed almost entirely of pupils.

== Combined Cadet Force ==

The Royal Hospital School has the largest Combined Cadet Force in the UK. All pupils participate in CCF.

There are 6 elements Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force, H.M. Coast Guard, Pioneers and St. John's Ambulance.

*Army
Affiliated with the Artillery.

*Royal Marines
Renowned for its success in competitions, 11/13 in "pringle trophy 2008."

*Royal Air Force

*Royal Navy
Affiliated with HMS Illustrious.


== Holbrook Coastguard ==
== Holbrook Coastguard ==
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Holbrook Coastguard is unique since, in term-time, it is run entirely by students. While there is a student-operated coastguard in [[Scotland]] and [[Wales]], it is the only one of its kind in England. There is a student in charge elected every year but there are adult team members who are in control during the school holidays. The student team has members aged 14–18.
Holbrook Coastguard is unique since, in term-time, it is run entirely by students. While there is a student-operated coastguard in [[Scotland]] and [[Wales]], it is the only one of its kind in England. There is a student in charge elected every year but there are adult team members who are in control during the school holidays. The student team has members aged 14–18.

== Capital Challenges ==
Since the 1990s the school's endowment has continued to grow with over £1/4 Billion in investments in the parent trust. The decreasing influence of the Royal Navy has inevitably followed the reduction in the size of the Royal Navy (a navy which now employs fewer than, for example, the Royal Bank of Scotland). But as it has shed its naval shell it has emerged as East Anglia's foremost public school with strong performances in A Levels and numbers of pupils going to Oxbridge increasing each year. (Caution is advised in looking at the A Level School League Tables - 30% of the intake of the school are chosen on non-academic grounds; e.g. sporting prowess). It has been variously described as the best value school in the UK (The Sunday Times) and described as a jewel by Libby Purves (of Radio 4). Entry was restricted to just those of a seafaring background (including Lloyds shipping brokers) until 1993 but has been open to all since then - with this widening of intake has come a much stronger school.


== Royal Hospital School Association ==
== Royal Hospital School Association ==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:The Cradle of the Navy.jpg|thumb|"The Cradle of the Navy" written by Old Boy H.D. Turner]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:The Cradle of the Navy.jpg|thumb|"The Cradle of the Navy" written by Old Boy H.D. Turner]] -->
Founded in 1925 as the ''Greenwich Royal Hospital School Old Boys Association''. In 1992 the name changed to the ''Royal Hospital School Association'' (RHSA) in order to accommodate female ex-pupils. The Royal Hospital School Association has a world wide membership of over 3,000. By tradition the organisation is referred to as "RHS Old Boys".
Founded in 1925 as the ''Greenwich Royal Hospital School Old Boys Association''. In 1992 the name changed to the ''Royal Hospital School Association'' (RHSA) in order to accommodate female ex-pupils, and it now has a world wide membership of over 3,000.{{fact|date=May 2009}}

The school boasts among one of the largest alumni networking of any UK school.

As of 2008 the RHSA is healthy and vibrant with 4 local branches and its own [http://www.rhsa.net web site] including a bulletin board and seeks to take an increasingly influential role in assisting with the development of the school.

The RHSA website contains many photographs including many first class high resolution[http://www.rhsa.net/con images of the construction] in the 1930s.

The RHSA have grown in participation in recent years. Most notably in sporting events where more and more alumni have returned and participated.


== Notable ex-pupils==
== Notable ex-pupils==

Revision as of 21:14, 5 May 2009

Greenwich Hospital,
Royal Hospital for Seamen:
The Royal Hospital School at Holbrook
File:RHS1.JPG
Location
Map
Holbrook
,
Suffolk
,
IP9 2RX

England United Kingdom
Information
TypePublic School

Boarding School

Independent School

Military School

Royal Foundation
MottoReg Hosp Gren

'Celebrating Britain's seafaring heritage through educating young people for the future'

"The Cradle of the Navy"

"Fear God and Honour the King" (Greenwich)

Association: [Otia Tuta] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help)

(Template:Lang-la)
Religious affiliation(s)Christian
Established1694 Royal Charter

1712 Greenwich

1933 Holbrook
FounderWilliam and Mary
Local authoritySuffolk
SpecialistIndependent Comprehensive
OfstedReports
HeadmasterHoward Blackett MA (Oxon)
ChaplainRev. Dr. C.E. Stewart PhD. Formerly Chaplain of the Fleet, Royal Navy
Staff72
GenderCoeducational
Age11 to 18
Enrollmentc. 700
Houses11 Boarding Houses

Nelson      

Anson    

Drake  

Raliegh  

St. Vincent  

Collingwood    

Hawke    

Hood    

Cornwallis    

Howe  

Blake  
Colour(s)     
Publication"The Magazine"
School VisitorHRH Prince Andrew, The Duke of York
Charitable AssociationGreenwich Hospital
Former PupilsThe Royal Hospital School (and Boreman Boys) Association
Websitehttp://www.royalhospitalschool.org/

The Royal Hospital School, (usually shortened as "RHS" and historically nicknamed "The Cradle of the Navy"[1]), is a British co-educational independent boarding school, the largest in East Anglia and the oldest military school in the United Kingdom. It admits pupils from age 11 to 18 (years 7 to 13) through Common Entrance or the school's own exam. The College of William & Mary, located in the United States, is the sister institution.[2] The school is regulated by Acts of Parliament[3].

It is located in the village of Holbrook, near Ipswich, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom. The school's campus is of Queen Anne style and set in 200 acres (0.81 km2) of countryside, overlooking out the River Stour on the Shotley Peninsula in an area known as Constable Country.

The Royal Hospital School was established by a Royal Charter in 1694. It was originally located near Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, which is now part of London. The school moved in 1933 to East Anglia.

As a Military school, The Royal Hospital School is the oldest and largest military themed school in the United Kingdom among Pangbourne College, Duke of York's Royal Military School, Queen Victoria School, Gordon's School, Welbeck College and the defunct Indefatigable School, Watts Naval School, Royal Naval Asylum and Royal Naval College, Osborne. It is also the largest boarding school in East Anglia.

The Royal Hospital School is the only independent school in the United Kingdom to have ever been continuously granted the Queen's Banner and flies its own Royal Hospital School Blue Ensign, as well as being the only school in the United Kingdom to have the privilege of wearing Royal Navy uniforms.

The school is a public school, affiliated to the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.

Overview

The entire student body are cadets of a "Naval Division" via membership of a house, band or guard. Seafaring traditions, are important and integral elements of school life. Royal Navy uniforms (sailor suits) are issued to all pupils used for ceremonial, formal events, chapel services and occasionally for weekday lessons. School uniforms are used during weekday lessons, school travel and non ceremonial events. Uniform inspections are held every day by the house master, school prefects, house prefects and seniors, demanding high standards of maintenance[citation needed]. The Royal Hospital School has historically had a very high percentage of its alumni serving in the Royal Navy, and this heritage is reflected by the school's privilege of earning both a naval ensign and a Royal Banner; it is the only independent school to have ever been given this honour. The school has served as a model for several similar schools, academies and nautical colleges, such as Canadian Coast Guard College.[4]

The school is supported by the Crown naval charity, Greenwich Hospital. As a collective organization, this has one of the largest financial endowments in UK.[citation needed]

Leadership development is another distinctive feature of The Royal Hospital School derived from the naval background. Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines Combined Cadet Force along with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme are the most popular extracurricular activities at the Royal Hospital School. The Combined Cadet Force is unique as it also includes Her Majesty's Coastguard and St. John's Ambulance. HMS Illustrious is affiliated with the CCF.[citation needed]

The front of the main building overlooking the sports pitches

The Royal Hospital School has a partnership with America's second-oldest institution of higher education and "sister institution", The College of William and Mary, Virginia, USA.

The school runs a "six day" week where most Sundays are reserved for ceremonial divisions and formal chapel services.

Several schools share similar historical charitable and or military characteristics with the Royal Hospital School: Pangbourne College, Christ's Hospital, Duke of York's Royal Military School, Queen Victoria School and Gordon's School.

History

The School has been at Holbrook since 1933. The land on which the school is now situated was bequeathed to the school by Gifford Sherman Reade, along with the sum of £1 million. Originally the school was located at Greenwich Hospital and was based in what is now the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London. The Hospital was founded by Royal Charter in 1694 but the school was not formed until 1712.[5][6] The Royal Hospital School at Greenwich was once the largest school for navigation and seamanship.[1] The school was designed by the Birmingham based arts and crafts architect Herbert Tudor Buckland. Most of the buildings are now Grade II listed with the main range and chapel being Grade II*.

Boys of The Royal Hospital School, Greenwich c.1900

The Royal Hospital School at Greenwich was Britain's largest school of navigation and seamanship.[7] It was founded by Royal charter to provide assistance and education to the orphans of seafarers in the Royal and Merchant Navies. Thus, until relatively recently, entry to the school was limited to the children or grandchildren of seafarers. Until the 1950s, boys of the school were also required to join the Royal or Merchant Navies and as such the education was very much maritime focused. However, this requirement has not been in force for some time, but the school has retained certain naval traditions such as Naval uniform, divisions and an element of marching.

Greenwich Hospital

Greenwich Pensioner, 1845

The school was founded by Royal Charter and is maintained by Greenwich Hospital who support a number of pupils with bursaries who demonstrate sufficient charitable need. The school also awards academic, sports, music and sailing scholarships, as well as bursaries to the children of seafarers in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines or Merchant Navy.[8]

Traditions

Many of the modern day Royal Hospital School traditions are associated with the Royal Navy or seafaring. The school's close ties with Greenwich Hospital are highly respected and valued in school life. "Sunset Ceremonies", marching to dining halls, polishing shoes, daily uniform inspections and Prefects referred to as "Petty Officers" demonstrate strong Naval traditions in daily life.

As well as standard school uniform, pupils wear Naval uniforms for ceremonial occasions such as "Divisions". All boys are issued with Royal Navy junior rate Dress Blues. Until early 2008 Girls were issued with Women's Royal Naval Service Dress Blues. However, all girls now wear Royal Navy Dress Blues.

All house prefects wear a chevron on their left arm.

The School Prefects (approximately 20 Upper 6th Formers) wear chief petty officer ranks and uniform, including canes.

The Deputy Heads of School (one male and one female prefect) carry the rank of Warrant Officer (second class).

The Heads of School (one male and one female prefect) carry the rank of Warrant Officer (first class).

Music

The Royal Hospital School has a distinctive musical tradition, with all pupils required to attend weekly congregation practice on Friday at 8:20 till 8:50 am. The Chapel houses the third largest pipe organ in Europe. [citation needed]

Band

The Royal Hospital School marching band is a perennial part of school life. The band is usually managed by a former member of the Royal Marines Band Service. The band forms a separate division and is the largest division. The Royal Marines Band style is the format of the RHS Band. It has travelled abroad for tours. Heart of Oak, A Life on the Ocean Wave and "Holbrook March" are some of the marches played.

School songs

William and Mary Scholars

William and Mary Scholars is an intercultural exchange programme, celebrating the heritage of the founders. It is for upper sixth formers to study a semester at The College of William and Mary and for a William and Mary graduate to teach at The Royal Hospital School for a year.

Events

  • Burns Night (Upper Sixth Form Only)
  • House Shout
  • Christmas Dinner
  • RHSA Reunion (Sporting Events)
  • Trafalgar Night: Sixth Form dinner in honour of Admiral Lord Nelson.
  • Speech Day: Headmaster's annual "year in review".
  • Remembrance Sunday
  • Royal Hospital School Association Weekend: Royal Hospital School Old Boys & Girls Annual Reunion.
  • Commemoration Sunday: Leavers' Divisions and Chapel Service

Royal Foundation

The Royal Hospital School has some connection with the British Royal Family. The royal connections are principally The Royal Charter, School Visitor, and King's & Queen's Banners. The school's political breadth is shown by both its acknowledgement of its royal connections and its honouring the great republican hero, Admiral Blake, after whom a House is named.

Many members of the Royal Family have involved themselves with the development of the school. Queen Mary's involvement with the Royal Hospital School is noted as "the darling object of her life".[9]

Houses (Divisions)

All 11 Houses or Divisions, at the Royal Hospital School are named in honour of a famous seafarer.

The boarding houses and colours:

Boys

West Side

East Side

Girls

West Side

East Side

Upper Sixth

Holbrook Coastguard

The Holbrook Coastguard, founded in 1996, has a fully operational watch station and CRV, affiliated with Her Majesty's Coastguard. The area the team covers stretches from the Dry Dock in Ipswich to Shotley and then from Shotley to the White Bridge at Manningtree, but often operate in the Wrabness area with the neighbouring team.

Holbrook Coastguard is unique since, in term-time, it is run entirely by students. While there is a student-operated coastguard in Scotland and Wales, it is the only one of its kind in England. There is a student in charge elected every year but there are adult team members who are in control during the school holidays. The student team has members aged 14–18.

Royal Hospital School Association

Founded in 1925 as the Greenwich Royal Hospital School Old Boys Association. In 1992 the name changed to the Royal Hospital School Association (RHSA) in order to accommodate female ex-pupils, and it now has a world wide membership of over 3,000.[citation needed]

Notable ex-pupils

  • Admiral Arthur Phillip - founder of Sydney, Australia and the Governor of the first European colony on the continent (NSW)
  • Admiral Sir Phillip King Enright (1894-1960)
  • Major General Jasper Baker, CB, CBE - Director of Ordnance Services and Commandant RAOC, 1932 - 1945. (1877-1964)
  • Admiral Sir Henry Felix Woods, Pasha, (1843-1929) - Admiral in the Turkish Navy
  • Vice Admiral Sir Benjamin C.S. Martin, KBE, DSO - Commanded HMS Dorsetshire when she fired the torpedoes that sank the German battleship Bismarck. (1891-1957)
  • Air Vice Marshall Desmond Hall, CB, CBE, AFC (1925-?)
  • Rear Admiral Stanley McArdle, GM (1922- 2007)
  • Don Topley - (Essex CCC and coach of Zimbabwe)
  • Peter Richards (Rugby, England, Gloucester and London Irish)
  • Captain Thomas Henry Tizard (1839-1924) - Oceanographer, Hydrographic surveyor and Navigator
  • John Deane (1800 – 1884) and Charles Deane - inventors of the diving helmet, and discoverers of the wreck of the Mary Rose in 1839, whilst clearing the wreck of the Royal George.
  • Professor Bernard de Neumann (1943- ) – Mathematician
  • Commander Harry Pursey MP (1891–1980) - Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull East 1945-70
  • Captain Oswald Tuckv (1876-1950) – Naval Chaplain and Instructor
  • Malcolm Douglas Cooper (1947-2001) - British marksman who won Olympic gold medals at Los Angeles and Seoul and beat or equalled 15 world records
  • Henry Davenport Sarratt (1828-1899)- Navigator, Royal Navy, Command of the Royal Yacht which brought Princess Alexandra from Denmark to marry the Prince of Wales
  • Duncan Scott-Ford (1921-1942) executed for treason.
  • The Brazilian footballer Pelé spent a brief period at the school as an exchange student in 1956.
  • Lieutenant Colonel Richard Cantelo FRCA RAMC Consultant Adviser in Anaesthetics to the Director General Army Medical Services
  • Richard Todd QC, MA (Oxon), RA. Author of the two leading text books on Family Law in England and co-Editor of Jowitt's Dictionary of English Law.
  • T/Sub-Lieut.John Herbert BABINGTON,GC Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Awarded George Cross for bomb disposal work 27Dec 1940. Headmaster 1947-1956

References

  1. ^ a b The Royal Hospital School gallery : On display : Exhibitions : What's on : Visit the museum : NMM
  2. ^ "Greenwich Hospital School: A Brief History of The Royal Hospital School". Mariners. March 5, 2003. Retrieved February 9, 2009. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ Greenwich Hospital Act 1865
  4. ^ Greenwich Royal Hospital School 1
  5. ^ "A Brief History of The Royal Hospital School", Bernard de Neumann, The City University, London
  6. ^ Royal Hospital School Association
  7. ^ http://www.nmm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/on-display/the-royal-hospital-school-gallery
  8. ^ "2009/2010 Fees"
  9. ^ "http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/GreenwichRoyal.html

Literature

  • Desmond, Morris. "The Royal Hospital School Holbrook 1933-1993," United Kingdom.
  • McClean, David. "Education and Empire: Naval Tradition and England's Elite Society," British Academic Press, I. B. Tauris (January 15, 1999), ISBN 1860642950
  • Newell, Phillip. "Greenwhich Hospital: A Royal Foundation 1692-1983," United Kingdom.
  • Turner, H.D. The Cradle of the Navy: The Story of the Royal Hospital School at Greenwhich and at Holbrook, 1694-1988, William Sessions Limited of York, United Kingdom, 1990, ISBN 1-85072-077-0
  • Waldie, Paul. "Ghosts and Kippers: Schoolboy Memories, from the Royal Hospital School, Greenwich," United Kingdom.

See also

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