Christ’s Hospital is a remarkable school; it is the UK’s leading charitable school and largest bursary charity. The school was established in 1552 and provides free or substantially reduced cost places to over 660 of its 900 pupils each year. Our pupils come from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, which brings a social and cultural diversity that enriches our school community, and makes us unlike any other independent school in the UK.  Through first-class education and exceptional pastoral support, Christ’s Hospital provides each pupil with stability and the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. 98% of pupils go on to university and leavers take with them the confidence and resilience they will need to achieve success at university and beyond and to make a meaningful contribution to society.

CHRIST’S HOSPITAL, PAST & PRESENT

Short History

Christ’s Hospital (CH) is one of the famous Royal Hospitals of London, whose foundation marked the beginning of the social services in Tudor England. CH, established in the monastery of the Grey Friars in Newgate Street, embraced the task of educating and nourishing the destitute children of the City and took children of all social backgrounds and ages.
In November 1552, CH opened its doors to 380 pupils and, within a year, the number had increased to over 500.

Christ’s Hospital Today

The School moved to Sussex in 1902. Its rich history is evident in many facets of school life. The most obvious is the Tudor uniform which is worn with great pride by the pupils. For all that, CH has a decidedly modern outlook and our focus is very much on providing pupils with the best possible preparation for the future.

Christ’s Hospital prides itself on delivering a vibrant curriculum that has both challenge and opportunity at its heart. The CH curriculum is made up of three interwoven parts: a stimulating academic curriculum which covers everything inside the classroom; an extensive broader curriculum which encapsulates everything outside the classroom; and a pastoral curriculum which has deep roots in the boarding house system complemented by a dynamic learning for life programme which teaches personal development. All three complement and support the progress of our pupils at every stage.
Pupils’ experiences outside the classroom are challenging, varied, and rewarding. They are about discovering and developing new and lifelong interests and talents. The School’s diverse curriculum encourages life-skills and is devised to take the pupils out of their comfort zone. An enormous range of Music, Art, Drama, Sport, and outward-bound activity is offered, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Young Enterprise, Model United Nations, chess, debating, public speaking and so many more.

Christ’s Hospitals commitment to its core goal of social responsibility helps to enhance pupils understanding of and appreciation for diversity. This commitment encourages the School to make a difference in the local community as well as further afield. The School offers its amenities, engages with organisations and welcomes members of the local and wider community to enjoy the School’s grounds and facilities. A diverse range of events, including lunchtime concerts, plays, historic tours and community lunches are regularly organised. An extensive community action programme enables pupils to develop their communication, leadership and other interpersonal skills.

The Community Action programme at CH was started in 1987 and involves over 200 pupils each week. Pupils visit local nursery schools, primary schools, special needs schools, residential homes, hospices and charity shops as well as helping with a Ready and Able Sports Club at CH.
Why we are called Christ’s Hospital?
Christ’s Hospital’s name derives from being founded in the parish of Christchurch, London. During the Middle Ages, hospitals served different functions from modern institutions. Medieval hospitals were alms houses for the poor, hostels for pilgrims, or hospital schools. The word “hospital” derives from the Latin noun hospitium and came to signify hospitality.