125 Not Out! – West House School

10 May 2020

On 11^th May 1895 West House School opened its doors for the first time. Three lucky boys were booked to attend but B W L Owen was unwell so just two pupils turned up – G P Achurch and J M F C Pound. From its earliest days the school has occupied the same site at the heart of Edgbaston’s leafy Calthorpe Estate and now welcomes 350 pupils aged between one and eleven.

During 2020 West House will be marking its 125^th birthday with highlights including an Anniversary Recital in the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre and a celebratory service at Birmingham Cathedral. “We have plenty planned for current families and Old Boys of the school are invited to become involved,” comments Headmaster, Alistair Lyttle, an Old Boy of the school himself. “We are extremely proud of our history and have stayed absolutely true to our roots in terms of the ethos and values we wish to promote. It seems only right to involve the whole community, past and present, in our celebrations.”

West House School’s claim that it has educated some of Birmingham’s finest boys is hard to dispute. The names of Martineau and Cadbury sit alongside those of politicians, international sportsmen, television personalities and notable musicians. Mr Lyttle continues, “The West House experience is a fantastic journey, rich in opportunity. We have a fine sporting tradition and all eyes are currently focused on Oliver Lawrence and the development of his rugby career with Worcester Warriors.”

The school has been led by just five Headmasters in its 125 year history, the significance of which is not lost on Mr Lyttle. “West House is very much in the blood,” he continues. “I absolutely loved my prep school days and feel honoured to be leading the school in such a significant year.”

For further information, please contact Miss Kim Stevenson on 0121 440 4097.

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