For well over a century, the British preparatory school stood in a distinctive world of its own - shaping generations of pupils, demanding discipline, and 'preparing' them for their public schools. Many prep schools flourished, others faded, and a few, like Northaw (later Norman Court), lived several lives across different names and settings before finally lapsing into extinction. More than the story of a single incarnation, it is that of an educational species: rare, resilient, but vulnerable to the changing social and economic climate.
Drawing on the familiar rituals of boarding prep schools - their locations and buildings, ethos and traditions, timetables and routines, music and worship, food, discipline, dormitories, games and the arts - this study illuminates what made these places at once formidable, formative and unforgettable.
Rich with anecdotes, historical insight, first-hand recollections and over 300 evocative photographs, this book traces the lives shaped within these institutions - including a post-war Labour prime minister - and remembers the 86 former pupils and teachers who lost their lives in the two World Wars.
This is a history for former prep school pupils, their families, and anyone curious about how one very British phenomenon rose, thrived and ultimately declined.
| ISBN: | 9781806340040 |
| Publication date: | 28th October 2025 |
| Author: | James Christopher |
| Publisher: | Troubador Publishing an imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 616 pages |
| Genres: |
History of education |
For well over a century, the British preparatory school stood in a distinctive world of its own - shaping generations of pupils, demanding discipline, and 'preparing' them for their public schools. Many prep schools flourished, others faded, and a few, like Northaw (later Norman Court), lived several lives across different names and settings before finally lapsing into extinction. More than the story of a single incarnation, it is that of an educational species: rare, resilient, but vulnerable to the changing social and economic climate.
Drawing on the familiar rituals of boarding prep schools - their locations and buildings, ethos and traditions, timetables and routines, music and worship, food, discipline, dormitories, games and the arts - this study illuminates what made these places at once formidable, formative and unforgettable.
Rich with anecdotes, historical insight, first-hand recollections and over 300 evocative photographs, this book traces the lives shaped within these institutions - including a post-war Labour prime minister - and remembers the 86 former pupils and teachers who lost their lives in the two World Wars.
This is a history for former prep school pupils, their families, and anyone curious about how one very British phenomenon rose, thrived and ultimately declined.
From Wine to Water features in the following genres: History of education
From Wine to Water is available in Hardback
From Wine to Water was written by James Christopher and published by Troubador Publishing an imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd
From Wine to Water has 616 pages
£31.50