Holland Park School
Encyclopedia
Holland Park School was opened in London
, UK
, in 1958. It became the flagship for comprehensive education, and in its heyday had over 2000 in the student body. It became known as the "socialist Eton
", and a number of high-profile socialists sent their children to Holland Park School, adding to its reputation as a left wing institution. Tony
and Caroline Benn
notably sent all 4 of their children to Holland Park
.
In the early 1960s, each school year was divided into A, B, C, D, and E streams up until the 3rd year. As the groups were so large, they were again divided, typically into 3. Later the "A" "B" etc. grading was considered to be bad for children's self-esteem, so "A" "B" and "C" were replaced by "H" "P" and "S" (Holland Park School).
In the late 1970s, under the inspirational idealist Derek Rushworth, streaming was totally scrapped in favour of total egalitarianism
. Another aspect of egalitarian thought was that many school traditions were scrapped and in the late 1970s there were no awards for academic achievement, in order not to demoralise low achievers. Dr Rushworth nevertheless favoured high achievement in niche areas, and himself continued to teach Latin to children who requested lessons. His motto was "Everyone should know about everything," and critics saw this as leading to a dumbing down of the curriculum.
The theory was that poorly achieving students would perform better if not segregated, but rather immersed in an equal learning environment. Some argue that such and educational philosophy causes teaching to drop to the lowest common denominator, and in the 1990s the school began to revert to more traditional teaching practices.
Loyalists of the egalitarian approach argue that the experiment was never given a proper chance: Holland Park was the only fully comprehensive school in a borough where middle class parents tended to favour private schools. Therefore, by definition, it was a sink school and thus some argue that the comprehensive experiment was never fully realised. Critics counter that the school was on a downward spiral and "more of the same" would only have worsened the situation. They hold that the school's improved performance when it returned to more traditional values is evidence the comprehensive experiment was doomed from the outset.
"Traditionally, relatively few lower school pupils progressed to the sixth form; rather, it was established practice for pupils to join the Holland Park sixth form from other London schools."
This viewpoint differs from some experience in the mid sixties when sixty or more fifth formers joined either the lower sixth on A level studies, or another thirty joined 6G that represented students on retakes of O levels or additional O levels, or Technical studies.
These were joined by a smattering of imported socialists and academics such as the MP Roy Jenkins
' son.
In their current web-site, the school treats it as mainly or entirely a parental responsibility that pupils should be "well-spoken".
Only two days a week did the entire school assemble, this was within the Main Hall and four side halls, which opened out to form The Great Hall. House assemblies took place in the morning in the side halls with two halls alternating where they shared; whilst the other two days were for tutor groups within the house setting.
Thus pupils had the potential, in theory at least, for guidance from Form Teachers, Tutors, as well as their Class Subject Teachers.
There was a complete structure of Prefects, at the summit two head boys and two head girls, then headmasters/senior prefects, prefects, sub-prefects, and TSPs [Temporary Sub Prefects]. This separate organisation was particularly called upon when teaching staff took the decision to stop monitoring the substantial play-grounds, in the sometimes turbulent mix of social classes, religious and ethnic origins, and the heady mix of boy and girl in the 1960s. Mr Williams, in the mid 60s, one of two deputy heads, was required to dispense summary justice on boys presented by Prefects.
In the 1976-9 period, the school magazine was called Andarkol, formed from Holland Park School and was the name of the cartoon dog which appeared throughout. The magazine contained poetry, music reviews, cartoons, as well as articles about school plays, sports and student-contributed essays on comprehensive education and the representation of the school in the press. Before Andarkol the school had a magazine called Feedback, which ended in 1974.
Students now receive a booklet about upcoming events around the school every half-term.
The school's crest is no longer on the uniform, which instead has an "@" symbol on the left pocket cover. The school colours used to consist of a white shirt with a navy jacket. Now it is a black jacket with a light blue shirt. The school tie consists of pink and black stripes. The Tie also has the "@" symbol.
, north of Duchess of Bedford Walk. This contained seven particularly grand houses with large gardens. They were completed in 1817 after Phillimore died. Throughout the nineteenth century, and until the Second World War, they had a series of notable occupants. At one time in the nineteenth century the approach road was thought to be known as Dukes' Row, because two of the houses were occupied by Dukes: Argyll
and Bedford
and another, by the Earl of Airlie
. The original intention was to create high-rise public housing, but subsequently after much local opposition, plans were advanced for what became Holland Park School which opened in 1958. Of the seven great houses on this part of the Estate only Thorpe Lodge (the home from 1904 until his death in 1950 of Montagu Norman
, for many years Governor of the Bank of England) survives as and administrative building of Holland Park School and Kensington and Chelsea College. KCC and a local Greek school are just some of the organisations that use the school after hours.
The school adjoins the famous Holland Park
gardens in London
. Prior to the building of the school a beautiful old mansion stood on the site complete with gate house, and apple orchard. The gate house, Thorpe Lodge, remains standing at the entrance from Campden Hill Rd and, in the 1970s, became an exclusive area for sixth form students. Local residents formed an action group to stop the building of the school, and its members included the future
poet laureate John Betjeman
. These lobbyists were unsuccessful—the demolition began around 1957 and the first comprehensive school opened in 1958.
There is a current proposal to redevelop the site and build a new sustainable school building that will make best use of natural light and deliver more efficient use of energy. However, the proposals are being hotly debated, with a major concern among many critics being the sale of the school sports pitches (for redevelopment) to fund the project. Critics include Tony Benn who referred to the scheme as "absolutely wrong, they're putting market forces above the children."http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23498586-details/Tony+Benn+joins+fight+to+stop+Holland+Park+fields+being+sold+off/article.do
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, in 1958. It became the flagship for comprehensive education, and in its heyday had over 2000 in the student body. It became known as the "socialist Eton
Eton College
Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
", and a number of high-profile socialists sent their children to Holland Park School, adding to its reputation as a left wing institution. Tony
Tony Benn
Anthony Neil Wedgwood "Tony" Benn, PC is a British Labour Party politician and a former MP and Cabinet Minister.His successful campaign to renounce his hereditary peerage was instrumental in the creation of the Peerage Act 1963...
and Caroline Benn
Caroline Benn
Caroline Middleton DeCamp Benn , formerly Viscountess Stansgate, was an educationalist and writer, and wife of the British Labour politician Tony Benn ....
notably sent all 4 of their children to Holland Park
Holland Park
Holland Park is a district and a public park in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, in west central London, England.Holland Park has a reputation as an affluent and fashionable area, known for attractive large Victorian townhouses, and high-class shopping and restaurants...
.
Education at Holland Park
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Holland Park School philosophy was to ensure large student numbers (over 2000) with the idea that the resulting size would enable more subject choices for the students. Indeed, amongst the more typical foreign languages Latin, Russian and Spanish were taught.In the early 1960s, each school year was divided into A, B, C, D, and E streams up until the 3rd year. As the groups were so large, they were again divided, typically into 3. Later the "A" "B" etc. grading was considered to be bad for children's self-esteem, so "A" "B" and "C" were replaced by "H" "P" and "S" (Holland Park School).
In the late 1970s, under the inspirational idealist Derek Rushworth, streaming was totally scrapped in favour of total egalitarianism
Egalitarianism
Egalitarianism is a trend of thought that favors equality of some sort among moral agents, whether persons or animals. Emphasis is placed upon the fact that equality contains the idea of equity of quality...
. Another aspect of egalitarian thought was that many school traditions were scrapped and in the late 1970s there were no awards for academic achievement, in order not to demoralise low achievers. Dr Rushworth nevertheless favoured high achievement in niche areas, and himself continued to teach Latin to children who requested lessons. His motto was "Everyone should know about everything," and critics saw this as leading to a dumbing down of the curriculum.
The theory was that poorly achieving students would perform better if not segregated, but rather immersed in an equal learning environment. Some argue that such and educational philosophy causes teaching to drop to the lowest common denominator, and in the 1990s the school began to revert to more traditional teaching practices.
Loyalists of the egalitarian approach argue that the experiment was never given a proper chance: Holland Park was the only fully comprehensive school in a borough where middle class parents tended to favour private schools. Therefore, by definition, it was a sink school and thus some argue that the comprehensive experiment was never fully realised. Critics counter that the school was on a downward spiral and "more of the same" would only have worsened the situation. They hold that the school's improved performance when it returned to more traditional values is evidence the comprehensive experiment was doomed from the outset.
"Traditionally, relatively few lower school pupils progressed to the sixth form; rather, it was established practice for pupils to join the Holland Park sixth form from other London schools."
This viewpoint differs from some experience in the mid sixties when sixty or more fifth formers joined either the lower sixth on A level studies, or another thirty joined 6G that represented students on retakes of O levels or additional O levels, or Technical studies.
These were joined by a smattering of imported socialists and academics such as the MP Roy Jenkins
Roy Jenkins
Roy Harris Jenkins, Baron Jenkins of Hillhead OM, PC was a British politician.The son of a Welsh coal miner who later became a union official and Labour MP, Roy Jenkins served with distinction in World War II. Elected to Parliament as a Labour member in 1948, he served in several major posts in...
' son.
In their current web-site, the school treats it as mainly or entirely a parental responsibility that pupils should be "well-spoken".
School organisation
The school was divided into eight houses, membership of which applied was a badge split in half, top half the colour that represents the house, and below black with the house name in white. A glance through the house names gives a strong impression of the school’s original ethos:- Smith [yellow] after Greg "Stubborn Smithy" Smith
- Jones [red] after Alan Jones
- Hirst [light blue] after Frances Hirst
- Harris [orange] after ??? Harris
- Seed [green] after Sir Daniel Seed
Only two days a week did the entire school assemble, this was within the Main Hall and four side halls, which opened out to form The Great Hall. House assemblies took place in the morning in the side halls with two halls alternating where they shared; whilst the other two days were for tutor groups within the house setting.
Thus pupils had the potential, in theory at least, for guidance from Form Teachers, Tutors, as well as their Class Subject Teachers.
There was a complete structure of Prefects, at the summit two head boys and two head girls, then headmasters/senior prefects, prefects, sub-prefects, and TSPs [Temporary Sub Prefects]. This separate organisation was particularly called upon when teaching staff took the decision to stop monitoring the substantial play-grounds, in the sometimes turbulent mix of social classes, religious and ethnic origins, and the heady mix of boy and girl in the 1960s. Mr Williams, in the mid 60s, one of two deputy heads, was required to dispense summary justice on boys presented by Prefects.
School publication
In the 1960s into the school is fully of dummies early 1970s the school magazine was called Octavo (the title being a reference to the number of houses at that time which numbered eight).Students now receive a booklet about upcoming events around the school every half-term.
- Alpha (born 1958)
- Octavo (196?-197?)
- Feedback (?-1974)
- Andarkol (1976–1979)
School crest and colours
The school's crest is a fox holding a dahlia in its teeth. The crest was emblazoned on the breast pocket of the navy jacket, worn as part of the school uniform. The choice of a dahlia as the flower was chosen in homage to Lady Holland, the principal landowning family in the area, who had introduced the flower to England in the early 19th century.The school's crest is no longer on the uniform, which instead has an "@" symbol on the left pocket cover. The school colours used to consist of a white shirt with a navy jacket. Now it is a black jacket with a light blue shirt. The school tie consists of pink and black stripes. The Tie also has the "@" symbol.
School building and land history
In 1808 William Phillimore (1748–1814), signed an agreement for the development of over 19 acres (76,890.3 m²) of land, which now is roughly occupied by Holland Park School and Queen Elizabeth CollegeQueen Elizabeth College
Queen Elizabeth College had its origins in the Ladies' Department of King's College London, England, opened in 1885. The first King's 'extension' lectures for ladies were held at Richmond in 1871, and from 1878 in Kensington, with chaperones in attendance.In 1881, the Council resolved 'to...
, north of Duchess of Bedford Walk. This contained seven particularly grand houses with large gardens. They were completed in 1817 after Phillimore died. Throughout the nineteenth century, and until the Second World War, they had a series of notable occupants. At one time in the nineteenth century the approach road was thought to be known as Dukes' Row, because two of the houses were occupied by Dukes: Argyll
Duke of Argyll
Duke of Argyll is a title, created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1701 and in the Peerage of the United Kingdom in 1892. The Earls, Marquesses, and Dukes of Argyll were for several centuries among the most powerful, if not the most powerful, noble family in Scotland...
and Bedford
Duke of Bedford
thumb|right|240px|William Russell, 1st Duke of BedfordDuke of Bedford is a title that has been created five times in the Peerage of England. The first creation came in 1414 in favour of Henry IV's third son, John, who later served as regent of France. He was made Earl of Kendal at the same time...
and another, by the Earl of Airlie
Earl of Airlie
Earl of Airlie is a title in the Peerage of Scotland, created on 2 April 1639 for James Ogilvy, 7th Lord Ogilvy of Airlie, along with the title Lord Ogilvy of Alith and Lintrathen...
. The original intention was to create high-rise public housing, but subsequently after much local opposition, plans were advanced for what became Holland Park School which opened in 1958. Of the seven great houses on this part of the Estate only Thorpe Lodge (the home from 1904 until his death in 1950 of Montagu Norman
Montagu Norman
Montagu Collet Norman, 1st Baron Norman DSO PC was an English banker, best known for his role as the Governor of the Bank of England from 1920 to 1944...
, for many years Governor of the Bank of England) survives as and administrative building of Holland Park School and Kensington and Chelsea College. KCC and a local Greek school are just some of the organisations that use the school after hours.
The school adjoins the famous Holland Park
Holland Park
Holland Park is a district and a public park in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, in west central London, England.Holland Park has a reputation as an affluent and fashionable area, known for attractive large Victorian townhouses, and high-class shopping and restaurants...
gardens in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. Prior to the building of the school a beautiful old mansion stood on the site complete with gate house, and apple orchard. The gate house, Thorpe Lodge, remains standing at the entrance from Campden Hill Rd and, in the 1970s, became an exclusive area for sixth form students. Local residents formed an action group to stop the building of the school, and its members included the future
poet laureate John Betjeman
John Betjeman
Sir John Betjeman, CBE was an English poet, writer and broadcaster who described himself in Who's Who as a "poet and hack".He was a founding member of the Victorian Society and a passionate defender of Victorian architecture...
. These lobbyists were unsuccessful—the demolition began around 1957 and the first comprehensive school opened in 1958.
There is a current proposal to redevelop the site and build a new sustainable school building that will make best use of natural light and deliver more efficient use of energy. However, the proposals are being hotly debated, with a major concern among many critics being the sale of the school sports pitches (for redevelopment) to fund the project. Critics include Tony Benn who referred to the scheme as "absolutely wrong, they're putting market forces above the children."http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23498586-details/Tony+Benn+joins+fight+to+stop+Holland+Park+fields+being+sold+off/article.do
Headmasters
- Allen ClarkeAllen Clarke (educationalist)Cyril Alfred Allen Clarke was the founding head of Holland Park School, which was the flagship of the comprehensive education ideal. Holland Park School, of which Allen Clarke was the first headmaster, was in the 1960s the most famous of its kind in the UK...
(1958–1971) - Derek Rushworth (1971–1985)
- Margaret Pringle (1985–1996)
- Mary MarshMary MarshDame Mary Elizabeth Marsh, FRSA was the Chief Executive of the UK National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children from 2000 to 2008.Marsh is a daughter of George Donald Falconer, by his wife, Lesley Mary née Wilson...
(1996–2001) - Colin Hall (2001–Present)
- Tariq Adam Taybi
Notable alumni
- Derek AbbottDerek AbbottDerek Abbott is a physicist and electronic engineer. He is a Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Adelaide, Australia...
, scientist - Jenny AbramskyJenny AbramskyDame Jennifer Gita Abramsky, DBE is chairman of the UK's National Heritage Memorial Fund . The NHMF makes grants to preserve heritage of outstanding national importance. Until her retirement from the BBC Jenny Abramsky was its most senior woman employee; she was Director of Audio and Music...
, director of BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
radio, - Prince Akbar, of the Moghul dynasty, descended from Shah JahanShah JahanShah Jahan Shah Jahan (also spelled Shah Jehan, Shahjehan, , Persian: شاه جهان) (January 5, 1592 – January 22, 1666) Shah Jahan (also spelled Shah Jehan, Shahjehan, , Persian: شاه جهان) (January 5, 1592 – January 22, 1666) (Full title: His Imperial Majesty Al-Sultan al-'Azam wal Khaqan...
who built the Taj MahalTaj MahalThe Taj Mahal is a white Marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal... - Angela Barry, writer and daughter of Sir Edward RichardsEdward RichardsSir Edward Trenton Richards was the first Black Bermudian to head the government of Bermuda and the second Premier of Bermuda. He was the leader of the United Bermuda Party between 1971 and 1973....
- Stephen Benn, politician, son of Tony BennTony BennAnthony Neil Wedgwood "Tony" Benn, PC is a British Labour Party politician and a former MP and Cabinet Minister.His successful campaign to renounce his hereditary peerage was instrumental in the creation of the Peerage Act 1963...
and Caroline BennCaroline BennCaroline Middleton DeCamp Benn , formerly Viscountess Stansgate, was an educationalist and writer, and wife of the British Labour politician Tony Benn .... - Joshua Benn, son of Tony BennTony BennAnthony Neil Wedgwood "Tony" Benn, PC is a British Labour Party politician and a former MP and Cabinet Minister.His successful campaign to renounce his hereditary peerage was instrumental in the creation of the Peerage Act 1963...
and Caroline BennCaroline BennCaroline Middleton DeCamp Benn , formerly Viscountess Stansgate, was an educationalist and writer, and wife of the British Labour politician Tony Benn .... - Hilary BennHilary BennHilary James Wedgwood Benn is a British Labour Party politician who has been the Member of Parliament for Leeds Central since 1999. He served in the Cabinet as Secretary of State for International Development from 2003 to 2007 and as the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs...
, politician, son of TonyTony BennAnthony Neil Wedgwood "Tony" Benn, PC is a British Labour Party politician and a former MP and Cabinet Minister.His successful campaign to renounce his hereditary peerage was instrumental in the creation of the Peerage Act 1963...
and Caroline BennCaroline BennCaroline Middleton DeCamp Benn , formerly Viscountess Stansgate, was an educationalist and writer, and wife of the British Labour politician Tony Benn .... - Melissa BennMelissa BennMelissa Ann Benn is a British journalist and writer. She is the only daughter of Tony and Caroline Benn.Benn was born in Hammersmith, London. She has two older brothers, Stephen and Hilary, and a younger brother, Joshua. She attended Holland Park School and graduated with a first in History from...
, journalist, daughter of Tony and Caroline Benn - Oliver Bradbury, starred in Nobody's HeroNobody's Hero"Nobody's Hero" is a song by Canadian prog-rock band Rush from their album Counterparts. The first stanza deals with the AIDS-related death of a homosexual man named Ellis, a friend of Neil Peart when Peart lived in London. After the chorus, the second stanza speaks of a girl who was murdered in...
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, actor - Dazeley, advertising photographer, fine artist and writer
- John Christopher Green, Mathematician and Computer Scientist
- Omid DjaliliOmid DjaliliOmid Djalili is a British Iranian stand-up comedian, actor, television producer and writer.-Personal life:Djalili was born in Chelsea, London to Iranian Bahá'í parents and is a Bahá'í himself...
stand-up comedian and actor - YazzYazzYazz is a British pop singer, who remains best known for her successful 1988 dance track, "The Only Way Is Up". Some of her records were credited to Yazz & The Plastic Population...
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label - Sasa and Darko Strizak, Serbian tennis players
- John-Paul FlintoffJohn-Paul FlintoffJohn-Paul Flintoff is an author, broadcaster and journalist based in London.He is the author of the memoir Comp: A Survivor's Tale, based on his time at the controversial Holland Park School, a flagship of state education in London....
, author, broadcaster and journalist - Julian Chela-Flores, physicist and professor at the The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical PhysicsInternational Centre for Theoretical PhysicsThe Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics was founded in 1964 by Pakistani scientist and Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam after consulting with Munir Ahmad Khan. It operates under a tripartite agreement among the Italian Government, UNESCO, and International Atomic Energy Agency...
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, writer, also daughter of lady Antonia FraserAntonia FraserLady Antonia Margaret Caroline Fraser, DBE , née Pakenham, is an Anglo-Irish author of history, novels, biographies and detective fiction, best known as Antonia Fraser...
, writer - Kadir Devlet Sultan Guirey, Prince of Crimea, descendant of Genghis KhanGenghis KhanGenghis Khan , born Temujin and occasionally known by his temple name Taizu , was the founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death....
- John Christopher Green, Mathematician and Computer Scientist
- Selima Sultane Guirey (Selima Goddard), Princess of Crimea, descendant of Genghis KhanGenghis KhanGenghis Khan , born Temujin and occasionally known by his temple name Taizu , was the founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death....
- Helen Handbury, philanthropist
- Jasper HarrisJasper HarrisJasper Harris is a British television and film actor. He was born in London, UK.Harris, who earlier received two small supporting roles in BBC productions, had his leading role debut in the religious drama Have No Fear: The Life of Pope John Paul II, in which he plays the 10-year-old Karol...
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, the OscarAcademy AwardsAn Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
-winning actress - Daniel JamesDaniel James (game developer)Daniel James , is a British-Canadian video game developer based in San Francisco. He is a co-founder and CEO of Three Rings Design, the company behind the MMOGs Yohoho! Puzzle Pirates, Bang! Howdy, Whirled and Spiral Knights....
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- Peter Karsten, Executive Chairman at Cecure Gaming, the mobile poker provider
- Katerina Koneva, murdered by Andrezej Kunowski
- Paul Laventhol, guitarist and music producer; played for the King KurtKing KurtKing Kurt was a 1980s psychobilly rock band from the UK. They formed in 1981 and split up in 1988, although they have reformed sporadically and played a reunion concert in 2010...
band - Diana Mitlin, author of academic texts in the area of development policy
- Karim Murji, academic in the area of public policy
- Cyril NriCyril NriCyril Nri is a British actor, writer and director. He attended the Young Vic Youth Theatre in Waterloo, London. He trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and is probably best known for playing the role of Superintendent Adam Okaro, now Chief Superintendent, in the long-running ITV police...
, actor - Miquita OliverMiquita OliverMiquita Billie Alexandra Oliver is a British television presenter and radio personality. She co-hosted Channel 4's Popworld from 2001–2006 and went on to present on T4 from 2006-2010 as well as having her own show, The Month With Miquita, on 4Music...
, television presenter - Alan Parker, PR magnate
- Craig Ray, Karate sensei
- Jason SalkeyJason SalkeyJason Salkey is an English actor. He played Rifleman Harris in Sharpe, and Paul Lang in The Bill. He has also been in Bergerac, Boon, Wycliffe, About a Boy, and In America....
, actor - Matthew Symonds, one of the founders of The IndependentThe IndependentThe Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
- Lesley ThomsonLesley Thomson (novelist)Lesley Thomson is a novelist and creative writing tutor at West Dean College. Born in 1958, she grew up in London where she went to Holland Park Comprehensive School. She published her first novel Seven Miles to Sydney in 1987 with Pandora Press...
, novelist and creative writing tutor - Polly ToynbeePolly ToynbeePolly Toynbee is a British journalist and writer, and has been a columnist for The Guardian newspaper since 1998. She is a social democrat and broadly supports the Labour Party, while urging it in many areas to be more left-wing...
, writer - Emily YoungEmily YoungEmily Young is a British sculptor. She is considered one of the foremost sculptors working in Britain today. She was born in London into a family of artists and writers...
, sculptor, daughter of author/politician Lord Kennet - Drummie ZebDrummie ZebDrummie Zeb is the British drummer and one of the lead singers for Aswad, as well as being a record producer.He is a former pupil of Holland Park School in London...
aka Angus Gaye of AswadAswadAswad are a long-lasting British reggae group, noted for adding strong R&B and soul influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the mid 1970s, having released a total of twenty-one albums.-History:...
Notable parents
- Francesca AnnisFrancesca AnnisFrancesca Annis is an English actress, known for her film and television appearances, most recently in the BBC series Wives and Daughters, Cranford, and Deceit.-Early life and education:...
, actress - Tony BennTony BennAnthony Neil Wedgwood "Tony" Benn, PC is a British Labour Party politician and a former MP and Cabinet Minister.His successful campaign to renounce his hereditary peerage was instrumental in the creation of the Peerage Act 1963...
and Caroline BennCaroline BennCaroline Middleton DeCamp Benn , formerly Viscountess Stansgate, was an educationalist and writer, and wife of the British Labour politician Tony Benn ....
, parents of Stephen Benn, Joshua Benn, Hilary BennHilary BennHilary James Wedgwood Benn is a British Labour Party politician who has been the Member of Parliament for Leeds Central since 1999. He served in the Cabinet as Secretary of State for International Development from 2003 to 2007 and as the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs...
, and Melissa BennMelissa BennMelissa Ann Benn is a British journalist and writer. She is the only daughter of Tony and Caroline Benn.Benn was born in Hammersmith, London. She has two older brothers, Stephen and Hilary, and a younger brother, Joshua. She attended Holland Park School and graduated with a first in History from... - Jeffrey BernardJeffrey BernardJeffrey Bernard was a British journalist, best known for his weekly column "Low Life" in the Spectator magazine, and also notorious for a feckless and chaotic career and life of alcohol abuse. He became associated with the louche and bohemian atmosphere that existed in London's Soho district...
, journalist - Anthony CroslandAnthony CroslandCharles Anthony Raven Crosland , otherwise Tony Crosland or C.A.R. Crosland, was a British Labour Party politician and author. He served as Member of Parliament for South Gloucestershire and later for Great Grimsby...
, politician - Ivor CutlerIvor CutlerIvor Cutler was a Scottish poet, songwriter and humorist. He became known for his regular performances on BBC radio, and in particular his numerous sessions recorded for John Peel's influential radio programme, and later for Andy Kershaw's programme...
, poet - Gavin EwartGavin EwartGavin Buchanan Ewart was a British poet best known for contributing to Geoffrey Grigson's New Verse at the age of seventeen.-Life:...
, poet - Alexis KornerAlexis KornerAlexis Korner was a blues musician and radio broadcaster, who has sometimes been referred to as "a Founding Father of British Blues"...
, blues musician - Mark Arnold-ForsterMark Arnold-ForsterMark Arnold-Forster, DSO, DSC was an English journalist and author. He is best remembered for his book The World at War, which accompanied the 1973 television series of the same name.-Early years:...
writer, parent of Joshua Arnold-Forster - Lady Antonia FraserAntonia FraserLady Antonia Margaret Caroline Fraser, DBE , née Pakenham, is an Anglo-Irish author of history, novels, biographies and detective fiction, best known as Antonia Fraser...
, writer, parent of Flora FraserFlora Fraser (writer)Flora Fraser Soros is an English writer of historical biographies.-Family:She is the daughter of historian and historical biographer Lady Antonia Fraser and the late Sir Hugh Fraser, a British Conservative politician. Her stepfather was the playwright Harold Pinter, the 2005 Nobel Laureate in... - Ian HamiltonIan Hamilton (critic)Robert Ian Hamilton was a British literary critic, reviewer, biographer, poet, magazine editor and publisher....
, literary critic - John HoustonJohn HoustonJohn Houston is the name of:* John Houston * John Houston , Pioneer newspaperman and politician from British Columbia, Canada* John Houston , New Zealand historian and writer...
, director, parent of Anjelica HustonAnjelica HustonAnjelica Huston is an American actress. Huston became the third generation of her family to win an Academy Award, for her performance in 1985's Prizzi's Honor, joining her father, director John Huston, and grandfather, actor Walter Huston. She later was nominated in 1989 and 1990 for her acting in... - Roy JenkinsRoy JenkinsRoy Harris Jenkins, Baron Jenkins of Hillhead OM, PC was a British politician.The son of a Welsh coal miner who later became a union official and Labour MP, Roy Jenkins served with distinction in World War II. Elected to Parliament as a Labour member in 1948, he served in several major posts in...
, member of parliament, parent of Charles Jenkins - Jimmy JewelJimmy JewelJames Arthur Thomas J. Marsh, known as Jimmy Jewel, was a British television and film actor.The son of a comedian and actor who also used the stage name Jimmy Jewel, the youngster made his stage debut in Robinson Crusoe in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, at the age of four, performed with his father...
, actor - Bob MonkhouseBob MonkhouseRobert Alan "Bob" Monkhouse, OBE was an English entertainer. He was a successful comedy writer, comedian and actor and was also well known on British television as a presenter and game show host...
, entertainer - John MortimerJohn MortimerSir John Clifford Mortimer, CBE, QC was a British barrister, dramatist, screenwriter and author.-Early life:...
, dramatist, and Penelope MortimerPenelope MortimerPenelope Ruth Mortimer , was a British journalist, biographer and novelist.-Early life:...
, journalist - Michael NymanMichael NymanMichael Laurence Nyman, CBE is an English composer of minimalist music, pianist, librettist and musicologist, known for the many film scores he wrote during his lengthy collaboration with the filmmaker Peter Greenaway, and his multi-platinum soundtrack album to Jane Campion's The Piano...
, composer - Sir Peter ParkerPeter Parker (British businessman)Sir Peter Parker KBE LVO was a British businessman, best known as chairman of the British Railways Board from 1976 to 1983.-Early life:...
, businessman - Molly ParkinMolly ParkinMolly Parkin , is a Welsh painter, novelist and journalist, who became most famous for exploits in the 1960s.Parkin was the second of two daughters, born and raised in Pontycymer in the Garw Valley, Wales...
, painter - Sir Edward RichardsEdward RichardsSir Edward Trenton Richards was the first Black Bermudian to head the government of Bermuda and the second Premier of Bermuda. He was the leader of the United Bermuda Party between 1971 and 1973....
, politician and first Premier of BermudaBermudaBermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
, parent of Angela Barry - Ken RussellKen RussellHenry Kenneth Alfred "Ken" Russell was an English film director, known for his pioneering work in television and film and for his flamboyant and controversial style. He attracted criticism as being obsessed with sexuality and the church...
, film director, parent of Alex Russell, Molly Russell, Rupert Russell, Toby Russell, and Victoria Russell - Una StubbsUna StubbsUna Stubbs is an English actress and former dancer who has appeared extensively on British television and in the theatre, and less frequently in films. She is particularly known for her roles in the sitcom Till Death Us Do Part and Aunt Sally in the children's series Worzel Gummidge.-Film and...
, actress - Philip ToynbeePhilip ToynbeeTheodore Philip Toynbee was a British writer and communist. He wrote experimental novels, and distinctive verse novels, one of which was an epic called Pantaloon, a work in several volumes, only some of which are published...
, communist and writer, parent of Polly ToynbeePolly ToynbeePolly Toynbee is a British journalist and writer, and has been a columnist for The Guardian newspaper since 1998. She is a social democrat and broadly supports the Labour Party, while urging it in many areas to be more left-wing... - Valentin ZeglovskyValentin ZeglovskyValentin Zeglovsky was a ballet dancer with the Ballet Russes. Zeglovsky was a Ukrainian Russian dancer who toured Australia with the De Basil Company . In January 1942 he joined the Kirsova company during its Melbourne season which began at His Majesty's Theatre. He subsequently to started a...
, Ballets RussesBallets RussesThe Ballets Russes was an itinerant ballet company from Russia which performed between 1909 and 1929 in many countries. Directed by Sergei Diaghilev, it is regarded as the greatest ballet company of the 20th century. Many of its dancers originated from the Imperial Ballet of Saint Petersburg...
dancer, parent of Mark and Paul Zeglovskis
Notable teachers
- Suneet ChopraSuneet ChopraSuneet Chopra is an Indian communist politician and trade unionist. He is a Central Committee member of the Communist Party of India and All India Joint Secretary of the All India Agricultural Workers Union....
, Science teacher, went onto become politician and social activist - Allen ClarkeAllen Clarke (educationalist)Cyril Alfred Allen Clarke was the founding head of Holland Park School, which was the flagship of the comprehensive education ideal. Holland Park School, of which Allen Clarke was the first headmaster, was in the 1960s the most famous of its kind in the UK...
, founding headmaster and history teacher - Paul S. Farmer, Head of Music 1974-77, who devised a CSECertificate of Secondary EducationThe Certificate of Secondary Education was a school leaving qualification awarded between 1965 and 1987 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland....
in Pop - Brian Ferry, Pottery teacher, went onto become lead singer for Roxy MusicRoxy MusicRoxy Music was a British art rock band formed in 1971 by Bryan Ferry, who became the group's lead vocalist and chief songwriter, and bassist Graham Simpson. The other members are Phil Manzanera , Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson . Former members include Brian Eno , and Eddie Jobson...
- Terry Furlong, English teacher
- Barnaby LenonBarnaby LenonBarnaby Lenon is a British schoolmaster who is the former Head Master of Harrow School in Harrow in north-west London. He taught geography, Religious Studies, history of art and Critical Thinking, and was also master in charge of croquet. He retired in August 2011. He is Chairman of the...
- Andy MacKayAndy MackayAndrew "Andy" Mackay is an English multi-instrumentalist, best known as a founder member of the art-rock group Roxy Music....
, Music teacher, went on to become the saxophonist for the group Roxy MusicRoxy MusicRoxy Music was a British art rock band formed in 1971 by Bryan Ferry, who became the group's lead vocalist and chief songwriter, and bassist Graham Simpson. The other members are Phil Manzanera , Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson . Former members include Brian Eno , and Eddie Jobson...
. - David MaloufDavid MaloufDavid George Joseph Malouf is an acclaimed Australian writer. He was awarded the Neustadt International Prize for Literature in 2000, his 1993 novel Remembering Babylon won the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 1996, he won the inaugural Australia-Asia Literary Award in 2008, and he was...
, English teacher, went onto become novelist - Mary MarshMary MarshDame Mary Elizabeth Marsh, FRSA was the Chief Executive of the UK National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children from 2000 to 2008.Marsh is a daughter of George Donald Falconer, by his wife, Lesley Mary née Wilson...
, former head teacher, now chief executive of the NSPCCNSPCCThe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is a United Kingdom charity campaigning and working in child protection.-History:...
. - Bertram Pockney, Russian scholar
- Ian Wall, Head of English, went onto become founder of Film Education
- Mike WallingMike WallingMike Walling is an English comic actor and screenwriter.He began his career as an English teacher at Holland Park School in London. In the mid-1970s, while still a teacher, he won a British TV talent contest, New Faces, with a comedy double act called "Mr Carline & Mr Walling." He immediately...
, English teacher, was a winner on the TV show New FacesNew FacesNew Faces was a British television talent show popular in the 1970s and 1980s, presented originally by Derek Hobson. It was produced by ATV Network Limited for the ITV Network. The first run of the show was from 29 September 1973 to 2 April 1978 and was recorded at the ATV Centre, Birmingham...
in the late 1970s. He starred in the British television sitcoms Brush StrokesBrush StrokesBrush Strokes is a British television sitcom, broadcast on BBC television from 1986 to 1991. Written by Esmonde and Larbey and set in South London, it depicted the amorous adventures of a good-looking, wisecracking house painter, Jacko...
and The Smoking RoomThe Smoking RoomThe Smoking Room is a British television sitcom written by Brian Dooley, who won a BAFTA for the series in 2005. The first series, consisting of eight episodes, was originally transmitted on BBC Three between 29 June and 17 August 2004. The Christmas Special was first transmitted on the same...
.
Holland Park timeline of events
- In 1957, school is built despite protests from Sir John BetjemanJohn BetjemanSir John Betjeman, CBE was an English poet, writer and broadcaster who described himself in Who's Who as a "poet and hack".He was a founding member of the Victorian Society and a passionate defender of Victorian architecture...
and a local action group - In 1958, school officially opens
- In 1970, journalist George GaleGeorge Gale (journalist)George Gale was a British journalist who was editor of the British political magazine The Spectator from 1970 to 1973. He was educated at the independent Royal Grammar School, Newcastle and Peterhouse, Cambridge where he graduated with a double-first in History.In 1951 he joined Manchester...
, then editor of The SpectatorThe SpectatorThe Spectator is a weekly British magazine first published on 6 July 1828. It is currently owned by David and Frederick Barclay, who also owns The Daily Telegraph. Its principal subject areas are politics and culture...
, claimed that Holland Park girls were running a vice ring at the school. - In 1973, the school snubbed the wedding of The Princess AnneAnne, Princess RoyalPrincess Anne, Princess Royal , is the only daughter of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh...
by working through the national holiday granted to schools and giving children another holiday in lieu. - In 1978, the Slits, an all-female punk rockPunk rockPunk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
group, performed at the school featuring on-stage masturbationMasturbationMasturbation refers to sexual stimulation of a person's own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed manually, by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods. Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism...
as part of their act. The gig was also attended by a group called the The Moors MurderersThe Moors MurderersThe Moors Murderers were a short-lived punk band who caused controversy by naming themselves after The Moors Murders. The band was founded in 1977 by Steve Strange , later to be in Visage, and comprised Chrissie Hynde , later in The Pretenders, Tex , Topper Headon , who was then borrowed from The...
. - In 1980, the SkidsSkidsSkids may refer to:* Skids is the name of several Transformers characters* Skids , a Scottish band* The skids on a helicopter* A steel girder foundation on which heavy modular plant is built and subsequently skidded into position....
art-punkArt punkArt punk or avant punk refers to punk rock of an experimental bent, or with connections to art school, the art world, or the avant garde....
band performed a surprise concert in the playground outside the library. - In 1985, the Head, Dr Rushworth, was beaten up and had both his ankles broken
- In 2000, the school was visited by Nelson MandelaNelson MandelaNelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing...
. - In 2006, digital fingerprint activated locks are installed on lockers
- In 2007, the school was featured in a news bulletin on ITV1's London Tonight commenting on the controversial plans to build a new school, set to cost £60 million.
- In 2010, a student was expelled for the dealing of Class B controlled substance CannabisCannabisCannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes three putative species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These three taxa are indigenous to Central Asia, and South Asia. Cannabis has long been used for fibre , for seed and seed oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a...
. - In 2010, reconstruction of school building commences.
External links
- Holland Park School website
- BBC League Table for Holland Park School
- TV Documentary
- Sunday Times article (Aug 2006)
- Tribute to Caroline Benn