Founded in 1923, the school stands in a magnificent 250-acre park. The river Stour forms a boundary and there are splendid formal gardens and playing fields. The oldest part of the buildings is a fine medieval hall (known as John of Gaunt's Kitchen); part of the present building is Georgian, the rest was designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1847, and is Listed Grade I.
The judges commented: “hugely impressive process and presentation. Excellent styling and sympathy shown for both the existing buildings and the parkland setting. The vertical lines and the sense of light were pleasing to contemplate”.