The Tolsey
The Rev J.H. Thomas Headmaster 1873-1881
Town and School have been very closely linked since 1571. Members of the Town Council started the School, and then ran it until 1861. After that Charity Trustees from the Town took it over, holding their meetings at one time in the Tolsey. The County Council has run the School since 1924, but townspeople still serve as Foundation Governors, looking after the School properties as they have done since 1571. The two of the school founders were:
Peter Heylin
He was born in Burford into a well known local family. He made excellent progress in Latin and Greek. He was at the school under two Headmasters – Thomas North and Edward Davies. At the age of 14 he entered Magdalen College, Oxford and took Holy Orders in 1623. He became a writer and during the Civil War period supported both Charles I and Archbishop Laud, as a result of which he was reproved of his livings during the Commonwealth and came to live with relatives at Minster Lovell, Latter to move to Abingdon. At the Restoration he came back into favour and was made sub – Dean of Westminster Abbey. He assisted at the Coronation of Charles II and when he died in 1662 was buried in the Abbey.
Simon Wysdom
Simon Wysdom was an immigrant into Burford in the early 16th century but rose to become the town’s wealthiest and most influential man. He developed extensive business and farming interests, dominated the town's civic life for several decades, and accumulated and remodelled several town properties. His merchant's mark remains visible on a number of buildings around the town.A moulded stone panel on the front of Rose Cottage reads "Symon Wysdom Alderman/the first founder of the Schole/in Burford gave these tenemenes/Wythe the other to the same schole/in an. 1576/all laude and prays be given/to God therefore Amen."
The Old School
The original building of 1571 still stands. It began with two classrooms and the Master’s residence. At one time it was used by the Town Council for the annual Town Venison Feasts and for Concerts given by the Staff and boys. Now it is part of the Boarding House.
The main block of the boarding house facing Church Green was added to the original building in 1868. Unfortunately the details connected with it’s erection are at the moment shrouded in mystery.
The Building Scheme of 1896
This was an ambitious affair to cater for the need for expansion on the Science side. F.W. Lea was appointed science Master in 1892, and with the aid of a grant from the County, it was decided to build new laboratories.
The Girls Department
1924 was a very special one in the history of the School. One of its main features was the provision of the Girls Department in the upper building. This was made possible by the generosity of Mr. E.J. Horniman who bought this property, together with the old house on the corner of the High Street and Church Lane, which he leased to the County Council at a nominal rent. It was formally opened by Sir Michael Sadler, on June 3rd, 1925. It had been decided to keep the girls separate from the boys, though under the same Headmaster and with staff teaching in both sections. The first Senior Mistress was Miss R. Clayton who served until her retirement in 1945.
The New School
The whole future of the Grammar School was in the melting pot at the end of the Second World War. After much discussion the decision was made to join up with the Secondary Modern School at the top of the hill. This new school – still known as Burford Grammar School – opened in 1957.