Prep school celebrate centenary with eco-building

Children gathered on Friday, May 10, to see headmaster of the school between 2000 and 2008 Michael Roulston MBE open the Roulston Building

The wooden clad classrooms, and their subtle, ‘game lodge’ curves were the brainchild of current head, Michael Wilson, who drew inspiration from his childhood in Kenya.

The concept was brought to life by sustainable buildings architects, Blue Forest, Tunbridge Wells, whose director Will Hardy described the structure as “natural and organic”.

Nestling in The Copse, a favourite playground of the children, the new addition will grow into its surroundings and provide an apt metaphor for the progress and development of the school as it enters its second centenary.

If the excellent Scholarship results which are currently being released are any indication, the effects are already being felt.

Mr Roulston, who hails from Northern Ireland, spoke eloquently on a variety of themes including the importance of friendship, forming abiding memories and the ability to stay still.

Having recently sat for a portrait by local artist and CPS teacher, Peter McNiven, he complimented the children on their tranquillity as they stood raptly watching proceedings.

It was not always so and this praise brought to mind an occasion when Mr Roulston was driven to the immortal words “Will you quit your fisslin’!”, which prompted a look of bemused non-comprehension on all but two teachers at the back of Chapel who were reduced to hysterical giggling by the Headmaster’s unusual lapse into their Ulster-Scots idiom – an abiding memory indeed.

The school ethos begins with the words, “A soul and a spirit that inspires,” and this was indeed an inspiring way to start the centenary celebrations for this wonderful Surrey prep school.