2024 is the year that Stormont School celebrates its 80th Anniversary, and we are proud of our history that 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 Robert Kirkcaldie. Robert was born in Kennoway, Fifeshire in 1836. He and his siblings travelled to Australia in the late 1850’s in search of a better life. His brother John set up Kirkaldie & Stains in Lambton Quay, New Zealand, which is still operating on the same site today! Robert was employed as Head Buyer and tasked with bringing the London fashions to New Zealand.
In 1860, Robert met Rosa Cullen, and they married in Sydney in 1862. Robert and Rosa had six children; two daughters, Catharine and Jeannie, twin sons Robert and William and James and Rosa.
Robert and his family moved back to the UK, initially to Norwood in South London. In 1873, John Ross purchased The Clock House Estate and immediately sold a portion to Robert Kirkaldie for him to design and build his bespoke new home, which he completed in 1874. This house is used today as the Stormont Prep School.
When Robert designed the house, he included lots of 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 age 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 is a very special time to mark this very amazing occasion and we look forward to continuing a great year ahead!
