Fact File - School History

The school was founded in Clerkenwell, London in 1716 by the Honourable and Loyal Society of Ancient Britons and has enjoyed Royal Patronage since 1765. The patronage of the Queen appears above the school’s distinctive red dragon logo.

In 1857 the school moved to its present site in Ashford, Middlesex, and Ashford station was built to service the school. The new building was officially opened the same year by the Prince Regent.

In 1882 it became the Welsh Girl’s School and the school chapel was erected during this decade.

HRH The Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone for the gymnasium in 1926. This building was completely re-furbished last year and became the Performing Arts Centre.

In 1957 HRH Princess Margaret visited the school to celebrate the centenary of the move to Ashford and plans are currently underway to commemorate the 150th anniversary in 2007.

The school was renamed St. David’s School in 1969 and enjoys exclusive surroundings, set within an historic building in 30 acres of beautiful grounds, which include a lake, full-sized pitches, and tennis and netball courts.

In 2005 we received a visit from HRH The Princess Royal. Arriving by Royal Helicopter, she remarked that she had been able to see the school from miles away.

In 2007 the Earl of Wessex visited the school to celebrate 150 years on the Ashford site. A new stained glass window was also commissioned and is a reminder to the girls of the history of their school when they see it in the school chapel during school assembly.

The building has three floors, the top floor comprising new, comfortable, well-equipped, boarding accommodation. This is now available on a full, weekly, or occasional basis.

Strong links are forged with the local community, both through work experience projects and those of a charitable nature.

Mrs. Tessa Smith joined the school as Headmistress in 2007 and under her leadership St. David's achieved its "best ever" GCSE results with 44% of grades achieved being A* or A.  Mrs Smith has also introduced "Long Wednesdays" where extra-curricular activities have been incorporated into the school day with the introduction of 15 new clubs including Dragon Boating, Kite making & Flying, Public Speaking, the Stick Insect Club and Cookery Club.

Assisted Places were introduced recently, some specifically for Ashford pupils, ensuring that the opportunities at St. David’s are available to as many as possible. St. David’s is well known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.