The Historic Blue School, Isleworth

Located in Old Isleworth, the school founded by Dame Elizabeth Hill in 1630 can still be seen in it's picturesque setting, and is one of the oldest Church of England Schools in the country.

A 17th century philanthropist

In 1630, Dame Elizabeth Hill gave a house called the Townhouse and lands at Langley, Bucks (worth 42 pounds per annum) for a school to educate young girls who were fatherless and without means. This was the foundation of the charity school at Isleworth.

The school was established to teach girls to read, sew and do household work.

Her founding of the school for girls marks the very beginnings of this long educational history for the area.

Moving with the times

The school later became known as The Blue School.

The square where it was originally located can still be seen in Old Isleworth.

Over the centuries, the school evolved and merged with others, being run by different authorities. It relocated from Old Isleworth to other sites like St Johns Road and Ridgeway Road.

In 1979, Isleworth Grammar School and Syon School for Boys merged to form the present-day Isleworth & Syon School.

Isleworth Collection

Dame Elizabeth Hill and The Blue School