Elmhurst is a unique place to learn. Our strong sense of community means we remain in contact with many of the school’s alumni and welcome the chance to reunite with them whenever possible.
If you are a previous pupil of Elmhurst School and would like to connect with us, we would love to hear from you. Or if you have an association with the school and would like to be informed about Alumni events please sign up using the form below.
The oldest ‘root’ of Elmhurst can be traced back to 1869 when the Carr family, arriving in the Croydon area in need of a school for their three sons, established “A School for Little Boys”. Founded by the husband and wife team, the school quickly established itself. On her husband’s death Mrs Elizabeth Carr took over the reins; the first mention of one of her boys’ success at entering Whitgift School was a line in their admissions register of 1879.
A move to St Peter’s Road, South Croydon and a building known as Elmhurst saw the eponymous school emerge. In 1936, Mr Peachell took over as Principal of Elmhurst, relocating it to its present site at 46 South Park Hill Road although some members of the school community did relocate to High Wycombe during the war years.
Mr Albert Squire stepped up to take on the role of Headmaster, succeeding Mr Peachell in 1951, having been a teacher at the school since 1935.
In the 1980s, Mr Anderson bought the school and, alongside headmaster Mr Dighton, ran the school very successfully for many years. During his ownership the school buildings were extended to include 44 South Park Hill Road and additional classrooms were added. Following Mr Anderson’s sale of the school and his retirement, Elmhurst joined the family of Bellevue Schools, a group it remains with to this day.
Always renowned for its academic excellence, Elmhurst continues to strive for brilliance in every area of education. In 2024, the school opened its doors to girls to provide educational opportunities to all in the local area and in 2025 extended its all year round nursery provision meaning that an Elmhurst education begins at 6 months in LIttle Elmhurst and concludes in Elmhurst Prep at 11 years old.
Although today we focus on ‘Beginnings Made Brilliant’, our efforts are very much aligned to those of our predecessors and, indeed, inspired by them. Whether you are a current member of the school community, considering joining Elmhurst or just an interested reader, Mr Dighton’s more detailed account, Elmhurst: a School and its Boys, a History, is available to buy from the school office should you wish further information about our formative years.
