1936 - Present
Eton End School began in May 1936 when Miss Johnstone, the school’s first Headmistress responded to the request from Eton College Masters to start a school for their children. When the school opened in a wing of the Eton Vicarage, there were only fifteen pupils aged between 6 and 12 years. By the time Miss Johnstone left the school 27 years later in April 1963, there were 70 pupils on roll and the school had moved to its present site at 35 Eton Road, Datchet.
Miss Anderson became the second Headmistress and she remained in post for a magnificent 28 years! The school continued to thrive under her leadership and pupil numbers rapidly increased. Miss Anderson lived at the school and she loved her combined life of school and home.
Mrs Ottley was the school’s third Head taking up post in 1991. She oversaw the continued growth in pupil numbers and facilities at the school. A brand new Pre Prep block was built and the original School House was extended to provide a five room Nursery.
Mrs Vanessa Pilgerstorfer was the fourth Headmistress in the school’s history. Mrs Pilgerstorfer stepped down from the post after eight successful years. In that time she worked tirelessly to ensure that pupils at Eton End received an excellent, broad, enriching and memorable curriculum which would prepare them well for their next schools. Above all, she wanted them to enjoy their precious childhood days in a safe and happy environment.
Mrs Sarah Stokes was appointed as Headmistress in 2013. She was committed in continuing the school’s legacy and traditions whilst keeping up with the changing world. This led to a new chapter in the school’s history where, in 2017, boys joining Eton End in the Early Years could stay at school until age 11, rather than having to leave at age 6.
I am, I can, I ought, I will
Mrs Sophie Banks was appointed as Headmistress in 2018 to continue the move to a fully co educational school. The priorities remained as they were at the beginning; academic standards are very high, there is excellent pastoral care and the ‘whole child’ is taught.
From September 2022, we welcome Mrs Rachael Cox as our Headmistress. She brings a wealth of experience of both education, management and study. Education is, and always has been her passion. She believes in equipping children to navigate the uncertainties of life and to believe that with hard work, anything is possible. During her tenure as Headmistress, she is determined that our pupils will love learning and, despite the pressures of the modern world, they will have a childhood that is protected and full of fun.
We still live by our motto: “I am, I can, I ought, I will” and our children continue to have a childhood they can cherish, as we honestly believe that happy children thrive.