C E Stowe

Stowe School, founded on May 11, 1923, is an independent boarding school located at Stowe House in Buckinghamshire, England. The school occupies a historic Grade I listed estate originally constructed in 1677, which previously served as the ducal seat for the Dukes of Buckingham and Chandos. Initially established for boys, Stowe School is now coeducational, enrolling 915 students as of September 2023, with approximately 80% of pupils boarding.

The school offers various programs, including a "Day in Boarding" option for up to three nights per week, and operates three Day Houses with reduced fees. Financial assistance is available through bursaries for students demonstrating exceptional talent in academics, arts, or sports, with scholarships typically covering 5% of tuition. The tuition fee encompasses meals, educational services, and extracurricular activities, with additional costs for uniforms, trips, and transportation. The school is a member of the Rugby Group, the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, and G30 Schools.

Stowe School commenced operations in 1923 within the grand setting of Stowe House, a structure whose exterior was finalized by 1779. The institution was established through the efforts of the Rev. Percy Warrington and the Martyrs Memorial Trust. The initial architect for the school was Clough Williams-Ellis. The first headmaster, J. F. Roxburgh, articulated a vision for the school centered on individual development, aiming to cultivate an appreciation for beauty and learning within a civilized environment grounded in Christian values. This foundational philosophy guided the school's early direction.

As of September 2023, Stowe School educates 915 students, comprising 541 boys and 374 girls, marking its transition to a coeducational institution. The majority of students, around 80%, participate in boarding arrangements, while the remaining 20% are day pupils. The school features thirteen boarding houses (seven for boys, six for girls) and three day houses (two for boys, one for girls), many named after figures associated with the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos family. The school's cricket ground is recognized as a first-class venue, utilized by Northamptonshire CCC, and a corner of the Silverstone Circuit is named in its honor. A "Schools Class" steam locomotive, No. 928, was also named after Stowe School and is preserved at the Bluebell Railway.

Stowe School boasts a diverse and notable alumni network, referred to as Old Stoics. The list of former pupils includes prominent figures across various fields such as business (Richard Branson), acting (Henry Cavill), military service (Victoria Cross recipients John Anderson and Leonard Cheshire), politics, arts, and academia. The school's history also includes unique events, such as a concert performed by The Beatles in 1963, a recording of which resurfaced in 2023. However, the school has also faced scrutiny, including an investigation in 2005 for alleged price fixing in a fee-fixing cartel, and a 2016 report detailing a registrar's suggestion that significant donations could influence admissions for borderline candidates.