Ashdown House, East Sussex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ashdown House School |
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Ashdown House School
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| Address | |
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Forest Row
East Sussex
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RH18 5JY
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| Information | |
| Type | Independent school Co-educational Boarding and day school |
| Established | 1886 |
| Closed | 2020 |
| Department for Education URN | 114624 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Age | 7 to 13 |
| Years | 3–8 |
| Website | http://www.ashdownhouse.co.uk/ |
Ashdown House was a special school in Forest Row, East Sussex, England. It was a "prep school," which means it prepared students for bigger senior schools.
The school taught both boys and girls, from ages seven to thirteen. Students could either live at the school (boarding) or attend during the day. Sadly, the school closed its doors on June 1, 2020. This happened because fewer students were joining, and the COVID-19 pandemic also had a big impact.
History of Ashdown House School
Ashdown House itself is a very old building. It was originally a large country house, finished in 1794. The famous architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed it. He also helped design parts of the United States Capitol building and the front of the White House in Washington, D.C..
The building is considered very important. It is a Grade II* listed building, meaning it has special historical or architectural interest.
When Did the School Start?
The school first opened in Brighton in 1843. Back then, it was only for boys. In 1886, the school moved to the Ashdown House building.
It became a "co-educational" school in 1975. This means that both boys and girls could attend.
Famous Former Students of Ashdown House
Many people who went to Ashdown House School later became well-known. They are often called "Old Ashdownians" (OAs). Here are some of them:
- David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon: A talented furniture maker.
- Nicholas Coleridge: A successful publisher.
- Charlie Cox: An actor you might know from TV shows and movies.
- Boris Johnson: A politician who became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Jo Johnson: Also a politician.
- Rachel Johnson: A writer and journalist.
- Damian Lewis: A famous actor.
- Andrew Mitchell: A politician.
- Alex Renton: A journalist and author.
