Our History
Stormont celebrated its 80th Anniversary in 2024, and we are proud of our history which can be seen on our site and running through the school.
From restoring features in the main house building to continuing to build a community through our alumni, we are committed to maintaining the roots of Stormont for future generations to come.
Stormont School has always been an independent girls’ prep school in Hertfordshire, but has not always been on its present site in Potters Bar. In the early days of the Second World War Miss E.M. Trew, Principal of Queenswood School, was asked by residents of the Brookmans Park area to take day pupils.
In January 1940 a day school for boys and girls was opened at Mymwood, the Queenswood Preparatory House, with Miss Hilda Dyson as Headmistress. By 1944, when Mymwood was again required for Queenswood junior boarders, there were over 50 day pupils and Stormont moved and opened on its present site.
The main house on the site today was built and completed in 1874 by Scottish retailer Robert Kirkcaldie for his wife, Rosa, and their six children.
When Robert designed the house, he included many fine, intricate details. The veranda was laid with an exquisite Minton tile mosaic which is still in place today. The stained-glass window above the main staircase has survived and illustrates the things that Robert Kirkcaldie held most dear. A detailed pattern of thistles (for Scotland) provided a vibrant border and a centre panel across the middle of which runs the phrase “East, West, Hame’s Best” which is a reference to his travels across the globe. There are eight red roses in the centre panel which are a tribute to his beloved wife, Rosa. Robert Kirkcaldie’s devotion to his spouse was also reflected in the name he chose for their new home – Villa Rosa.
Following the deaths of Robert and Rosa in 1887, Villa Rosa was put up for auction and was purchased by James Dore in 1888. Once purchased, James renamed the house ‘Stormont’ after his previous home. The Dore family lived in the house until Kate Dore died in 1942 aged 82, and it finally sold in 1944. The house became an educational establishment originally known as ‘The Causeway School’ before being renamed to what we now know as Stormont School.
To mark our 80 years, our school community enjoyed our ‘Family Fun Day’ and our ‘80th Anniversary Ball’. It was a very special time to mark this very amazing occasion and we look forward to continuing a great year ahead! In the September of our 80th year, 2024, Stormont School merged with St Albans High School (STAHS) to form the St Albans Education Group, a developing group of strong, successful schools that together will become a leading voice and model for excellence in the sector.
Our History in Photos
