St Christopher School, Letchworth
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The St. Christopher School was set up in 1915 shortly after Ebenezer Howard founded Letchworth Garden City. It was to be a school 'where members of different faiths shall be encouraged to mix together and in this way to learn a respect and tolerance for beliefs other than their own'. Overall the aim was to create a community that would encourage the positive development of all the capacities that lie within the child. However, the current headteacher seems to have forgotten all about these principles and ideals.
It is currently believed to be the largest vegetarian private boarding school in Britain, and possibly the world. Notable hallmarks include the lack of school uniform and the freedom and encouragement to address teachers by their first names. Until recently all Major Officials (the school's term for a 'prefect') were nominated and elected by school pupils. Students and staff alike had a say at the school council meeting and the School Meeting. Motions passed in council were carried to the School Meeting which became compulsory in the eighties. Motions passed here were actioned, but the headmaster reserved the right to veto any he deemed unworkable or unacceptable.
The School in its present form developed under the guidance of Lyn and Eleanor Harris (1925-1954) and their son Nicholas (1954-1980). Following Nicholas' death in a road accident in Spain, the governors hired Colin Reid, essentially to carry on his work. Colin was Head from 1981-2004.
The current head is Donald Wilkinson who has made many changes to the running of the school. Having given a speech in 2005, "Progressive education has failed", Mr. Wilkinson has abandoned St. Christopher's system of self government, ceased accepting special needs pupils and generally tightened up the way the school is run (hoodies are now banned and major officials are appointed by staff). This has caused much controversy in the local newspapers and several teachers of long standing have resigned. Many other teachers have been made redundant as a result of Mr Wilkonsons' attempt to modernise and comercialise the school. [citation needed]
The school is the proud holder of the world record for having the oldest running Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.). [citation needed]