The Mansion
We start our tour with a short History lesson - well you are at school! Dr Praetorius' School, founded in 1881 in Weymouth Street, London, moved to Folkestone a few years later, and in 1921 to Kingsgate, Broadstairs, in the grounds of which stood an ancient arch, erected by Earl Holland to commemorate a chance landing by Charles II in 1683. This provided the idea for the name of the School, Port Regis, "Gate of the King". In 1940 Port Regis evacuated to Bryanston School in Blandford. After a brief stay at the Earl of Verulam's home at Gorhambury the School moved in 1947 to Motcombe Park, one mile from Shaftesbury in Dorset, where it has been ever since. In 1972 the freehold of the property was acquired, and the School has steadily developed into one of the most impressive Prep Schools in the country. (If you would like to learn more about the history of the school and Motcombe Park, click here.)
The grounds consist of 150 acres of glorious Dorset parkland. They encompass extensive ancient woodland with nature trails, gardens, lawns and a lake, so children can enjoy the space and freedom of the countryside. At the heart of the School is the main building, Motcombe House. This is an eighty-roomed Tudor-style mansion with elegant oak-panelled reception rooms and a splendid galleried Hall. The carved staircase and stone-mullioned windows are other notable features of this magnificent home built in 1894 by Lord Stalbridge, the younger brother of the first Duke of Westminster. Within the main house are the Library, the Common Room and the Headmaster's Study, as well as the younger children's bedrooms and classrooms.
We enter from the front courtyard and find the School Office which is well situated at the end of the comfortably appointed Entrance Hall, and you are assured of a warm welcome on arrival and an exceptionally efficient service at all times. From here you are likely to move through into the light and spacious Morning Room where you would be greeted by the Headmaster and his Wife, who would much enjoy talking with you in the elegant comfort of the Headmaster’s Study before taking you on a tour of the School, starting with the rest of the “Mansion”, the name by which this main building is always known.
This would include the Library with its beautiful ceiling – “it looks just like a lovely carpet”, said one recent eight-year-old visitor in admiration! The shelves are full of books and story tapes to suit all our children, and our librarians are regularly at hand to assist the children in their choices, to set up exciting displays and book quizzes, and to promote authors and themes. Computers and bean-bags sit comfortably together to enhance the children’s enjoyment of this lovely room.
The “Old Assembly Hall” provides a magnificent space for Sunday Evening prayers round the huge open fire, parents’ meetings, dance hobbies and much else. There are also big comfy sofas for the children to flop down on during the day to read in peace and quiet or just refresh the spirit.
Upstairs we find three boarding areas, or Houses, for the younger children. The modern, comfortable rooms reflect what we know the children enjoy in their own homes: really good quality furniture, carpets and curtains; colourful posters and bring-your-own duvets, and individual bedside reading lights ……. as well as bright, fresh bathrooms with plenty of hot water! You may also bump into the Houseparents in each of the Houses – dedicated members of staff who allow the children to feel that the House is not unlike home in its feel and style and who provide the emotional nurturing which helps the children grow and flourish in the sort of boarding environment their parents probably never knew!
Upstairs too we find the Health Centre, staffed by our team of delightful School Nurses who provide 24-hour round-the-clock health care for our children, day and boarding. The School Doctor, who belongs to a large partnership in Shaftesbury, visits twice a week and at other times when requested, and Shaftesbury Hospital is just one mile away. Regular check-ups are given and all health requirements for our children who live overseas are met.
Back downstairs, but to the west,we look in on the E and F formrooms. This is where the Year 3 and 4 children (aged 7+ and 8+) have many of their lessons each day in bright, lively classrooms with their enthusiastic and talented class teachers. These children have, for their exclusive use, a newly constructed playground with the latest in safety surfaces beneath .. just in case! The inner courtyard also provides them with an opportunity for an informal game of football or tag, even when the weather is wet.
On the way out we may pass the Matrons’ Day Room, where children can always find a Matron on duty, whether the need is for a word of advice, a piece of string for the conker or just a cuddle! Here too parents can purchase second-hand uniform and pick up day children at the end of a busy day. Just across the corridor we find the rooms where the Headmaster’s Wife and the Head of Boarding are based, and a little further along the new Bursary……. so let’s move quickly on … !!
Click here to move on to the Senior Boarding Houses
