Books

St Anthony's school was founded during the Victorian era in Eastbourne in 1898 by Richard Patton, a former naval commander who had served on the Arctic convoys during the Second World War. The school moved to its current location in the heart of Hampstead in 1952, and has been managed by the Alpha Plus Group since 2009. The quirky, informal leadership of the school in its early years has instilled values that are central today. The benefits of St Anthony's relaxed, informal character is evident in the timbre of these stories and reflections from the last 120 years.

Known for its 'bohemian' ambiance, emphasis on academic achievement exists alongside a healthy emphasis on enjoyment of learning and personal development. While pupils of St Anthony's may perform Shakespeare one day and make their own avant garde films the next, they will go on to succeed at leading Independent schools such as Ampleforth, City of London, Eton, Harrow, Highgate, Mill Hill, St. Paul's, Sevenoaks, University College and Westminster.

The Story of St Anthony's is the perfect opportunity for Old Antonians to reminisce on their school days, current students to learn about the wider school story, and for the entire St Anthony's community to share in the celebration of 120 outstanding years. Every penny received through book sales will support scholarships, bursaries and hardship cases at St Anthony's Boys and Girls.

'St. Anthony's has been part of my life since childhood. My grandparents lived at 90 Fitzjohn's Avenue and, as a family, we enjoyed celebrating Christmas in what are now the Reception and Year 1 classrooms of the school. We are delighted that the School we worked hard to establish in the 1890s has continued and flourished under the new governance, whilst retaining so much of its original ethos. I hope you enjoy learning more about the history of this unique school.'

- Sarah Anderson, great-granddaughter of founder Richard Patton