Christ's Hospital School

Christ’s Hospital is a remarkable school, it is the UK’s leading charitable school and largest bursary charity. The School was established in 1552 and provides free or substantially reduced cost places to over 630 of its 900 pupils each year – this is more than any other organisation in the UK. Through first-class education and exceptional pastoral support, Christ’s Hospital provides each pupil with stability and the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. 98% of pupils go on to university and leavers take with them the confidence and resilience they will need to achieve success at university and beyond and to make a meaningful contribution to society.

CHRIST’S HOSPITAL, PAST & PRESENT

Short History

Christ’s Hospital (CH) is one of the famous Royal Hospitals of London, whose foundation marked the beginning of the social services in Tudor England. Inspired by a sermon by Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London, the young King Edward VI instructed the Lord Mayor, Sir Richard Dobbs, to appoint a committee of leading citizens to consider remedies and relief for the City’s homeless poor. Their work, and subsequently their philanthropy, led to the founding of the five great Hospitals all supporting different needs. CH, established in the monastery of the Grey Friars in Newgate Street, embraced the task of educating and nourishing the destitute children of the City and took children of all social backgrounds and ages.

In November 1552, CH opened its doors to 380 pupils and, within a year, the number had increased to over 500.

Christ’s Hospital Today

The School moved to Sussex in 1902. Its rich history is evident in many facets of school life. The most obvious is the Tudor uniform which is worn with great pride by the pupils. For all that, CH has a decidedly modern outlook and our focus is very much on providing pupils with the best possible preparation for the future.

Christ’s Hospital prides itself on delivering a vibrant curriculum that has both challenge and opportunity at its heart. The CH curriculum is made up of three interwoven parts: a stimulating academic curriculum which covers everything inside the classroom; an extensive broader curriculum which encapsulates everything outside the classroom; and a pastoral curriculum which has deep roots in the boarding house system complemented by a dynamic learning for life programme which teaches personal development. All three complement and support the progress of our pupils at every stage.

Pupils’ experiences outside the classroom are challenging, varied, and rewarding. They are about discovering and developing new and lifelong interests and talents. The School’s diverse curriculum encourages life-skills and is devised to take the pupils out of their comfort zone. An enormous range of Music, Art, Drama, Sport, and outward-bound activity is offered, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Young Enterprise, Model United Nations, chess, debating, public speaking and so many more.

Christ’s Hospitals commitment to its core goal of social responsibility helps to enhance pupils understanding of and appreciation for diversity. This commitment encourages the School to make a difference in the local community as well as further afield. The School offers its amenities, engages with organisations and welcomes members of the local and wider community to enjoy the School’s grounds and facilities. A diverse range of events, including lunchtime concerts, plays, historic tours and community lunches are regularly organised. An extensive community action programme enables pupils to develop their communication, leadership and other interpersonal skills.

The Community Action programme at CH was started in 1987 and involves over 200 pupils each week. Pupils visit local nursery schools, primary schools, special needs schools, residential homes, hospices and charity shops as well as helping with a Ready and Able Sports Club at CH.

The Christ’s Hospital band dates back to 1868 when some of the pupils requested that instruments be purchased to enliven their marching drill. The Treasurer of CH agreed and, with money from his own pocket, purchased a few instruments and paid the salary of the first Band Master. Over the years, the Band has grown into a highly-trained group of musicians with an impressive record of engagements. It accompanies the School on its annual parade through the City of London on St Matthew’s Day and also takes part in the Lord Mayor’s Show each autumn and rounds off the academic year with an hour-long display of marching and counter-marching as a tribute to those who are leaving.

Since 1552 the generosity of supporters has been fundamental to the continuation of Christ’s Hospital.

Why we are called Christ’s Hospital

Christ’s Hospital’s name derives from being founded in the parish of Christchurch, London. During the Middle Ages, hospitals served different functions from modern institutions. Medieval hospitals were alms houses for the poor, hostels for pilgrims, or hospital schools. The word “hospital” derives from the Latin noun hospitium and came to signify hospitality.

Christ’s Hospital Vacancies

Christ’s Hospital employs over 450 staff and has a diverse range of employment opportunities, ranging from plumbers and electricians to nurses, accountants, and pool lifeguards as well as teachers. Everyone employed by Christ’s Hospital, has a direct or indirect impact on the pupils who live and study here.  We are a unique institution with a unique history and mission and you can find out more by browsing our website and exploring our virtual introduction to working at Christ's Hospital.

As Christ’s Hospital is a 24 hour operation during school term times, we do require some flexibility from those who work here; indeed, some of the roles within the organisation (usually those in direct contact with children, such as teaching and pastoral staff) are live-in. Other roles require early starts, later finishes, term-time or part-time as well as across the whole year working. Each role is different and will have its own set of conditions attached to it which are detailed in the advertisement and job description.

Christ’s Hospital welcomes applications from all sectors of the community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake. We consider the most important factor to be the right skills, abilities and attitude for the job which will ultimately improve the well-being and education of the pupils.  Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract.  We are members of the Schools Inclusion Alliance and hold the Rainbow Flag Award.

In return, as an employee of Christ’s Hospital, you can expect to benefit from discounted membership of the on-site Sports Centre which has excellent facilities, including a fully equipped indoor and outdoor gyms, indoor swimming pool and tennis and squash courts. The centre also runs a variety of fitness classes such as pilates, aerobics, yoga and racket lessons. 

For further information about available opportunities or to enquire about a vacancy listed on the vacancies pages, please contact the Human Resources Department by email: HR@christs-hospital.org.uk.

Christ’s Hospital is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment.