Motivated by food shortages during the war and a desire for self-sufficiency, Cranleigh School was an early adopter of the school farm – although today the emphasis is very much on their state-of-the-art equestrian facilities.
“The school pond and, latterly, the school tuck shop are named Gatley’s, which stems from the school’s farmlands which were once owned by a Mr Gatley,” says school archivist, Martin Williamson. “The farmland came up for auction in 1946 and the governors paid £14,000 for the farm, buildings and 81 acres and invested around another £7,000 in livestock. This was entirely financed by loans, as an appeal was out of the question with the on-going war memorial appeal.”
Peas, ryegrass, winter oats and potatoes were planted and a herd of 30 Ayrshire heifers was purchased – pigs followed later. Agriculture was incorporated into the sixth form syllabus and boys helped at the farm. Post-war, however, few farmers were among the parents.
“The farm rarely made a profit – indeed, losses in some years ran into thousands. It did supply the school with milk. As late as 1971, large metal milk churns were hauled into the kitchens straight from the farm.”
When Marc van Hasselt took over as head in 1970, he felt the farm was no longer viable and closed it down, and in 1972 it was re-opened as the Sixth Form Centre.
“Although the farm was not a success, it did result in a substantial amount of land being bought and the benefits of this are perhaps the main legacy,” says Martin.
Cranleigh Equestrian Centre has made a home of this land with extensive riding facilities featuring over 60 acres of grazing and riding land, two floodlit all-weather arenas, a cross-country track and accommodation for up to 40 horses.
Riding is hugely popular among pupils, in both lower school and sixth form, and Cranleigh School is currently Reserve-National Champions for Dressage and Surrey County Champions for Dressage and Show Jumping.