St Christopher’s was founded in 1938 by Miss P Critchell Moody and Miss K M Angus Paterson.

The School first opened with just eight pupils and was based at 38 Ashley Road, Epsom. The numbers increased quickly, growing to 40 by 1939.

By 1942, larger premises were needed and the school was moved to its present building, a large Edwardian house, at 6 Downs Road, Epsom. By 1943, there were 100 pupils.

In the words of Miss Moody, one of the two founders, “The name ‘St Christopher’s’ was chosen so that the school was to be a bridge between the shelter of home and the wider life which the children would encounter.”

The school’s founding aims were:

There must be a solid foundation, but the children must be treated as individuals, and responsible behaviour is expected from pupils at an early age. This will give them pride in achievement and a feeling of belonging to a community. Children are expected to work hard and they do this best in a homely atmosphere in which they can feel secure and enjoy themselves.

St Christopher’s remains committed to these enlightened founding aims.

Initially, a typical privately-owned school, St Christopher’s School became incorporated in 1964, and the school gained charitable status in 1965. Charitable status ensures the School’s commitment to long term governance, financial stewardship, and sustainability, as well as the recognition that fees are set to cover expenses with any surplus being retained for investment in the School.

The School has continued to expand and develop over the years.

In 2007/8, when the school celebrated its 70th Anniversary, we were delighted to welcome back 29 pupils from the class of 1957 for a celebratory lunch. In return, they presented the school with a book showing the many and varied lives former pupils can live, together with their memories of St Christopher’s.

In 2012/13, when the School celebrated its 75th anniversary, we enjoyed a year of celebrations which included the publication of a Poetry Book with original contributions from all 180 children. Staff and Governors were also delighted to provide their favourite poems together with a short note about why each one held a special memory.

The School celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2018 with 80th themed events throughout the year. In the Summer term, the whole school enjoyed an outing to Ladyland Farm where we joined together for fun and education and toasted the School’s anniversary with a special picnic lunch.

In May 2025, St Christopher’s entered an exciting new phase when it joined the Reigate Grammar School family. Going forward, St Christopher’s will continue to have its own distinctive and unique style, offering the children in its care a varied education and outstanding pastoral care, whilst having the added strength and benefits of being part of a wider school group.

As we look ahead to celebrating our 90th anniversary in 2028, we reflect with pride on how St Christopher’s has grown and evolved since its founding in 1938 – while its strong sense of excellence and close family community continue to shine at the heart of the School.

In 1941 an “Invasion Notice” was given to parents which stated:

“Should the threat of an invasion materialize the School will close for one week. Should we be invaded during school hours the children will not be allowed to return home until they are fetched.”

St Christopher’s continues to thrive with 190 boys and girls receiving the best possible start to their education. The School cherishes its tradition and independence whilst seizing and embracing the best new ideas and innovations to ensure its pupils are fully equipped for life in the 21^st century. We continue to invest heavily in our beautiful setting, the continual professional development of our talented staff, making the latest technology available to every pupil and ensuring we are able to deliver a wide-ranging curriculum offering a wealth of opportunities for pupils to learn and achieve

Courage is celebrated and rewarded in our weekly Merit Assemblies and our annual Cup Assembly and we feel that the founders would be proud of this maintained tradition for, when faced with the outbreak of war in 1939 the handwritten instructions to all parents confirm the traditional robust approach:“routine as usual and do not give in to the minor irritations of war”.

Everyone has happy memories of their time at St Christopher’s. Pupils, their families and our staff form life-long friendships and we are always delighted to welcome them back to our community.