History

2002 – No. 11 Walpole Road purchased to extend post-16 accommodation.

School achieved ‘Excellence Award’ from the DfES

2004 – New Design & Technology and Primary facilities built at the rear of No. 9. This building has been named ‘The Miles Building’ and was officially opened by Councillor Pat Hawkes. Separate residential and school accommodation finally achieved for all pupils.

Adventure playground moved to the rear of No. 11

2005 – Bill Simmons Craft Room converted for community and meeting use

School achieved ‘Positive about Disability Award’

60th Anniversary of the School. Principal Anne Duffy leaves after 10 years. Chris Owen is appointed her replacement.

2007 – Graham Sheppard is appointed Head Teacher

2011 – New website launched with the help of STOMP.

‘Music Partnership Project’ starts thanks to financial backing from Ovingdean Hall Trustees. Music & Music Video classes provided by The Crew Club using their facilities and the Simmons Room which has been converted for music and dance use.

1981 -  The Bill Simmons Craft Room created out of two small classrooms at the rear of No. 15

The Tregenza Room, showers and changing rooms created out of the undercover play area beneath the James Wing

1985 – Two speech cabins installed, one behind No. 1, the other behind No. 9

1987 – The tree garden created to provide private access to the playing fields

1991 -  Hamilton Lodge students win first prize in a national competition to design new products for Deaf people. The adventure playground created at the back of No. 9. The playroom at No 1 refurbished

1992 – The astro turf pitch created on the side of the old tennis courts on the playing fields

1993 – Home economics room moved up to No. 15 into new extension at the back

New classroom created at No. 1B in place of the old Home Economics room

1994 – Floodlights installed on the new astro turf pitch

Science room in No. 9 refurbished

No 10 Arundel Road purchased and refurbished for a F.E. Hostel

1995 – 50th Anniversay of the school

Mrs Anne Duffy appointed Principal from September 1995

1997 – No 15 extension built and re-organisation to No. 1 and No’s. 7-9 buildings. This achieved separate residential and school accommodation for secondary pupils. Funded by Lottery grant

1999 – New bath and shower rooms in No. 1

Sale of No. 10 Arundel Road and change from F.E. to Yr. 12

2000 – Work on Head’s House for Yr. 12 students’ accommodation

1972 – No. 1 extension built to provide surgery, sick-bay and reception classroom

1973 – Part possession of No. 1B Walpole Terrace for staff accommodation

1975 – Playing fields carved out of steep downland beside the lane between No’s. 7 & 9

1976 - New boiler room constructed at the back of No. 1

1977 – Full possession of No. 1B Walpole Terrace

Dining room, kitchen & cloakrooms created on ground floor of No. 1B and lower ground floor of No’s. 1 & 3

Play area created at back of No. 1

Home economics room created in No. 1B

1978 -  Miss Margaret Moore appointed Principal

Improvements to the top floor of No. 7

1979 – No. 13 sold to raise much needed capital

Further Education and Post 16 Department established, based at No. 15

1945 – School founded by Miss Margaret McNab Taylor in No. 7 Walpole Road

1947 – No’s. 1 & 3 Walpole Road bought

1949 – No. 9 Walpole Road bought

1951 – No. 15 Walpole Road (East) bought

1952 – No. 15 Walpole Road (West) bought

1955 – The Educational Trust Hamilton Lodge (Brighton) Ltd. established

1959 – Two classrooms/speech rooms built at the rear of No. 15

1963 – Science room built at No. 15

1963/4 – Miss Margaret McNab Taylor died on Tuesday 19th November 1963 at Worthing Juvenile Court. Funeral took place on Saturday 23rd November 1963 at 12 noon at St Anne’s Church, Brighton. Mr John Jansen appointed Principal.

1965 – Principal’s house built behind No. 15

1966 – School recognised by the Department of Education and Science

1967 – James Wing, containing classrooms, gym/assembly hall and covered play area, opened by the Duchess of Norfolk

1969 – Library in No’s. 7 & 9 opened

1970- 25th Anniversary of the school

No. 13 Walpole Road bought to provide two classrooms, art room, pottery room and dressmaking room