History

Infant Orphan Asylum founded by Dr Andrew Reed in East London, helped by Duke of Wellington.

Foundation stone laid by Prince Albert for Sir Giles Gilbert Scott-designed building in Snaresbrook. £50 donation from Queen Victoria, first Patron. Ceremony includes Lord Mayor of London, Prime Minister, and Cabinet.

Death of Dr Andrew Reed, after founding London Orphan Asylum (now Reed’s School), Reedham Asylum (now Reedham Trust), Royal Hospital on Putney Hill, and two other institutions.

King George V, Patron, approves new name: Royal Infant Orphanage.

King George VI, Patron, approves new name: Royal Wanstead School.

RWS accepts first LEA-funded pupils.

Death of Sir Winston Churchill, longtime RWS Chairman.

220 RWS boarders funded by LEAs. National total is 10,000 children.

RWS closes after decline in LEA support. Launch of Royal Wanstead Foundation. School building becomes Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Joint Educational Trust formed by Group Capt. Douglas Bader and prep school heads.

JET employs first paid staff.

JET supports 100 vulnerable children, and Royal Wanstead 250.

Death of Queen Mother (Patron 1939-2002). Princess Royal becomes Patron.

First RWCF annual conference, hosted by Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace.

RW, Buttle and BSA report only 50 LA-funded children at UK boarding schools.

JET and RWCF help Department of Education launch boarding school ‘Pathfinder’ for LAs.

Pathfinder winds down, JET works with Department to expand Area Representatives network.

Royal Wanstead and JET merge to form Royal National Children’s Foundation.