“Gorringe Park Infants’ School was opened on Monday September 23rd 1907.  The children of the three Departments(Infants, Boys and Girls) assembled in the Hall and sang the National Anthem, after which the Rev. J. O. Gooch offered a prayer... 212 children have been admitted.”  This is the first entry in the school log, written by Gorringe’s first Headmistress, Miss Hughes.  After 100 years, two world wars and many changes, the school is still an important and vital part of the local community. 

This page collects together some pictures found as we researched the school and the area’s history as part of our centenary celebrations, along with photograhs kindly donated by ex staff and members of the public at our 100th birthday party.

Many of the pictures are lacking information. If you know any more or recognise yourself, please drop us an Email at the school address!

100 Years of Gorringe Park School!

In the Late 1800s, The Mitcham area was dominated by farms and lavender fields, but the town was beginning to grow

This is Mrs Sally Sparrowhawk, a well known local Lavender

seller of the time. 

She would cry:

“Who’ll buy my Mitcham lavender?

It makes your handkercher so nice,

Who’ll buy my bloomin’ lavender?

Sixteen bunches for a penny.”

While researching the local area, we found this photograph, taken just two years after the school was opened.  Year 4 hunted the location of the original photo and took these, a mere 98 years later!

The school took its name from the area in which it was situated...

...and from the rather

fine stately home that

was situated there.