History of the School
- The school was opened in 1945 by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary, teaching boys to seven and girls to eleven years of age.
- From 142 children in 1975, the school grew taking children aged from three to eighteen plus in the Sixth Form.
- In 1975 the school became a Charitable Trust and a company limited by guarantee with a Board of Governors.
- In 1979 Sister Aquinas, Headteacher at that time, retired and Mrs Margaret Stones became Headmistress.
- In 1984 the school extended its age range from eleven to sixteen years.
- In 1986 we bought a larger building and officially opened the Senior School.
- In 1989 the school accepted its first Sixth Form pupils.
- In 1994 HRH Princess Margaret officially opened the school’s sports hall.
- In 1996 the Government Nursery Education Scheme offering grants to children under five was introduced into the school. Assisted Places enabling children from all backgrounds to benefit from an independent school education were introduced.
- In 1997 the school purchased a separate building in order to extend the school, giving access to more classrooms, laboratories, an IT area and a school hall.
- In September 1999 the ‘ After School Club’ began for Infant and Junior children.
- In 2002 Mrs Margaret Stones retired and Mrs Isobel Nixon became Headmistress.
- In 2003 Chetwynde opened its doors to the public by holding its first “Open Day”, which has now become an annual event. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme was introduced into the school for pupils aged 14 upwards.
- In 2006 the ‘Croslands Holiday Club’ and ‘Summer School’ were established.
- In 2008 three new laboratories were built thus launching the Chetwynde Science Sustainability Project.
- The Governor’s Award was introduced in 2009, enabling parents to apply for places with reduced fees.
- In 2010 the school underwent a rebrand with new logo and signs.
- In 2010 Mrs. Isobel Nixon left to join Scarborough College, and Mr. Russell Collier became Headmaster.
- In 2014 Chetwynde converted to a Free School admitting children from 4 to 18 years.
- In 2015 the New Design Technology Pavilion opened.
- In 2015 Ms Siân Jeffreys became Headmistress of Chetwynde School.
- In 2017 the sixth form closed.
- In 2019 Mr Steve Jefferson became the Headteacher.
- In September 2021, Chetwynde School became the first school to join the newly formed South Cumbria Multi Academy.