Towers Convent School
The Towers is an independent Roman Catholic day school for girls aged 4–16 and boys up to age 11 in Upper Beeding near Steyning, West Sussex, England. Housed in a French chateau, it is located in the semi-rural outskirts of Steyning, about 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Shoreham-by-Sea.
| The Towers | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
Henfield Road , , BN44 3TF England | |
| Coordinates | 50.8798°N 0.2985°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Independent day |
| Motto | Semper fidelis ("Always faithful") |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Roman Catholic |
| Established | 1903 |
| Department for Education URN | 126124 Tables |
| Chair of Governors | Sr Mary Andrew Fulgoney, S.S.S. |
| Head | Michelle Syred |
| Gender | Girls; boys (ages 4-11) |
| Age | 4 to 16 |
| Enrolment | 130+ |
| Houses | Clitherow Howard More |
| Colour(s) | |
| Website | www |
History
The Towers was founded by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament . They had left France for England to escape the increasing anti-religious environment, having been invited by Mrs.Maling Wynch, a friend of the Congregation, to take up residence at The Towers, currently leased by her brother-in-law. The first pupils arrived from France in 1903 to begin classes. After renting The Towers for several years, Elizabeth Maling Wynch (later to become Sister Mary Agnes), bought the property, and left it to the Congregation in her will. Currently, there are six Sisters at the school as well as a local priest who also lives on site.
The Towers
The Towers takes its name from the building and the surrounding premises it occupies. Records indicate that "The Towers" has existed at least as far back as 1750 although it is believed to have pre-existed this date. It was once owned by the Lord of the Manor of Beeding. The Towers was sold to George Smith during the 1870s. The original building was completed in 1883 and was described as a "monument to Victorian extravagance" or "Smith's folly" due to its construction cost. The Towers was turned into a hunting lodge before the Sisters took over.[1] The original buildings were designated Grade II listed buildings in 1980.[2]
Facilities
In 2006, The Towers was expanded with more classrooms and facilities for pupils including a 200-seater lecture theatre, a drama/dance studio, music room and an ICT suite. The sports facilities include four tennis/netball courts, a rounders field, a 25m swimming pool and a fitness suite for the senior school.
GCSE Results
Pupils at The Towers achieved a pass rate of 98.6% in 2019 with 65.5% of the grades being 7-9 (A*-A). As well as their GCSEs, the pupils have the option to take an Additional Maths (FSMQ) which counts towards a progressive qualification towards preparations for A-level mathematics.
References
- History of The Towers
- The Towers Convent - British Listed Buildings