Welcome to Clare House Preparatory School
Beckenham, Kent, 1896-1970
‘Age bene quod agis‘ ~ “Whatever you do, do it well.”
Clare House Preparatory School ~ The 1965 Photo
Preserving the memory of Clare House Preparatory School and connecting those whose lives it touched
Introduction
For seventy-four years, Clare House Preparatory School stood at the corner of Oakwood Avenue and Overbury Avenue in Beckenham, Kent. Founded in 1896 by George Philbrick of Clare College, Cambridge, it educated generations of boys through war and peace, hardship and prosperity.
Though the school closed in 1970, its spirit endures – in the memories of former pupils, in the legacy of dedicated teachers like Major Hodges, and in the state primary school that now carries the Clare House name.
This website is a living memorial: a place to explore the school’s history, reconnect with fellow alumni, share memories, and ensure that Clare House is never forgotten.
Quick Links
📖 Our Story Discover the journey from founding to closure, from Victorian origins through wartime evacuation to post-war revival.
👥 The People Meet the headmasters, teachers, and pupils who made Clare House what it was – particularly Major Hodges, whose leadership defined three decades.
📸 The Photo Gallery Explore photographs, documents, and memorabilia spanning the school’s history – from Victorian classrooms to the final Sports Day.
Latest News
Reunion Memories The Clare House Association held its first reunion on 12th October 2002, bringing together former pupils after more than thirty years. Around twenty “old boys” gathered at Clare House Primary School for dinner, speeches, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
More recently, the reunions have become an annual event with celebratory gatherings at a London pub, on the first Saturday of October for a few pints, followed by a nice meal.
The most recent of the annual reunions was on October 4th, 2025, and the established crew gathered as usual in London, at the Coal Hole, on the Strand, to celebrate their strong affinity to Clare House, despite the school being gone for some 55 years!!
Following a few pints at the Coal Hole, the group moved on to the London location of Smith & Wollensky, the old-school American-style steakhouse in the Adlephi Building on the Strand.
This year’s Reunion attendees were, clockwise from the left, Justin Larkman, Nick Randell, Chris Walker, Ian Alexander, Robert Hudd, Mark Ellison, and Mark Alexander.
Contribute Your Memories Were you a pupil or staff member at Clare House? Do you have photographs, documents, or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you.
Then & Now
The Legacy Continues
Though the preparatory school closed in 1970 and its buildings were demolished in 1971, the Clare House name lives on. A state primary school opened on the same site in 1976, was rebuilt in 2015 with primary access from Overbury Avenue, and continues to provide excellent education to Beckenham’s children.
In the foyer of today’s Clare House Primary hangs a plaque commemorating its predecessor – a tangible link between past and present.
About This Website
The Clare House Preparatory School Association was formed in 2002 to preserve the school’s history and reconnect its former pupils. This website continues that endeavour, bringing together memories, photographs, documents, and stories – ensuring that Clare House remains more than just a footnote in Beckenham’s history.
Whether you were a pupil in the 1950s or the 1960s, whether you remember Mr Thompson’s Form 2 or Major Hodges’ assemblies, whether you played cricket on the field or swam in the pool at Beckenham Baths – this is your site.
Welcome home.