- Sutton Valence School was founded in 1576 as the free grammar school of William Lambe, master of the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers. The school continued under the company’s control until 1910 and is now part of the United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation. It became coeducational in 1983.
- A wide range of enrichment activities is provided, including the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and, for lower-sixth students, a short course in volunteering and service that “cultivates independence and self-discipline but also strengthens the community spirit”.
- The school offers scholarships to those joining at 11, 13 and 16 — worth 20 per cent of the fees — for academics, art, design and technology, drama, music and sport. Further financial assistance may be obtained via the means-tested bursary programme.
- Former pupils include the painter Terence Cuneo and the BBC journalist Ben Brown.
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