1902

E Kellett and J Heald Jenkins, two teachers at The Leys School in Cambridge, decided to establish a Leys prep school with the vision of preparing boys for life at public school. JHS McArthur was a wealthy Leys parent who offered to fund the school, which opened in 1904 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. J Heald Jenkins named the school after his new wife, Theodora Caldicott Ingram.

1904

Caldicott School opened with 24 boys on roll.

1909

The School Chapel was built, designed by architect Mr Hayes of London, with the foundation stone laid by Miss Emily Wood of Southport. The prized Harrison & Harrison organ was later moved to Farnham Royal.

1912

As the Scouting movement took off, Caldicott formed its own groups led by Gordon Wood, a very keen scoutmaster. This became a very popular activity.

1918

Near the end of the 1st World War, Hitchin was bombed by a Zeppelin. The boys were in bed when they awoke to a crashing noise and felt the ground shake. Mr Jenkins collected the boys and took them down to the Dining Room for safety.

1919

A war memorial was built on Walsworth Road, dedicated to those who died in the First World War. F Vereker Bindon was appointed Headmaster on probation for one year. His post was confirmed in 1920.

1927

Mr Bindon left Caldicott and Mr Gordon Wood took over as the new Headmaster. He ran the school along with Margaret Ingram.

1936

Mr F Gordon Wood and Mr J Shewell Cooper became joint Headmasters.

1938

Mr F Gordon Wood surrendered the lease on the Hitchin property in March and the school moved to its present site in Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire.

1945

The Second World War ends.

1970

Cooper House was formed, taking the number of houses to the current four: Cooper, Jenkins, McArthur and Wood.

1982

The Sports Hall was built, and opened by Bill Beaumont.

1996

The Chapel is extended to accommodate four year groups

1997

‘Spens’ field was purchased and named after MCB Spens, the Headmaster from 1993 until 1998.

2004

To celebrate Caldicott’s Centenary Year, the Performing Arts Centre was built to replace old ‘Assembly Hall’. Cornerstone from original Hitchin Chapel is used. Andrew Strauss opened it.

2014

Caldicott celebrates its 110th Anniversary with a Concert at St Marylebone, London.

2020

The Caldicott Foundation is established by Mr Banks, current Headmaster.

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