St George's School, Ascot

St George's School, Ascot is an independent girls' boarding and day school in Ascot, Berkshire, England. It was founded as a boys' school but later became a girls' school.

History
The school was founded in 1877 as a boys' preparatory school. Among its former pupils was the British war-time Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In 1904, it became a finishing school for girls, opened by Miss Pakenham-Walsh. In 1923, Miss Anne Loveday took over the school. In 1927, the school was recognised by the Department of Education. In 1932, the swimming pool was built, and in 1943, the sports facilities were extended with tennis courts and games field. From 1939 to 1945, the school functioned during the war and air raid shelters were made to give protection.

Facilities
St George’s, Ascot is located off the High Street in Ascot, Berkshire. The school is close to Windsor Great Park and opposite the Ascot Racecourse.

Boarding
Around half the girls are boarders. They are grouped by years and housed in three dormitories: Markham, Knatchbull and Loveday.

The arts
The majority of students learn musical instruments. The school has a variety of musical groups including: choirs, woodwind, strings, jazz group and orchestra. Many students are involved in school productions and in house productions.

Athletics
All students must participate in the following sports and activities: netball, lacrosse, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, rounders, athletics and squash. Students may choose to participate in football, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, fitness, fencing, ballet, aerobics, modern stage, tap and basketball.

Notable former pupils

 * Princess Beatrice of York
 * Lady Davina Lewis, older daughter of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
 * Lady Rose Gilman, younger daughter of Prince Richard
 * Susanna de Vries
 * Vivienne de Watteville
 * Manpreet Bambra, actress
 * Elaine Vagliano, Légion d'Honneur, Chevalier; Croix de Guerre avec Palme; Medaille de la Résistance
 * Rebecca Gethings
 * Victoria Smurfit
 * Kimberley Garner, television personality and swimwear designer


 * Former boys' school;


 * Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister
 * Niall Campbell, 10th Duke of Argyll
 * Claud Schuster, 1st Baron Schuster
 * Harry Graf Kessler