for school after new head takes over

Alfred Pope, of the brewing dynasty, and called Fourpenny House –a pint of ale cost fourpence at the time. It provided a fabulous playground for his 15 children and then grandchildren until being used as a convent, St Genevieve’s, from the 60s. The school was founded in 1939, and occupied premises in Herringston Road until moving to Fourpenny House in 1997. There are still nods to the Popes in the features of the building, such as the initials AP on the fireplace in the head’s study. But now the site also hosts numerous classrooms for its 130 pupils, who range in age from two years nine months to 13. The nursery has a beautiful secure outdoor area for learning, there’s a swimming pool for the summer months and lots of games areas.

David said: “Along with excellent academic results, Sunninghill prides itself on being a supportive and nurturing school with excellent pastoral care and this was recognised by the inspectors. They commented that ‘pupils demonstrate high levels of self-confidence, selfesteem, self-awareness and perseverance’, pupils were ‘decision makers’ and ‘pupils display a strong contribution to others, embracing the many opportunities to take responsibility to others’. “When I got here, the school’s strapline was that it’s a hidden gem. We think it shouldn’t be hidden any more!”

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