Warlingham Park School has a history stretching back almost 200 years. Education on the site began in 1834, when Reverend Richard Crampton Fell established a small parish school for local children, supported by local benefactor Thomas Kelly. The school later became St Leonard’s School, serving the local community under Surrey County Council until it closed in 1984 due to falling pupil numbers.

In 1986, Stuart Sexton purchased the school from Surrey County Council, beginning a new chapter in its history. With a vision to give children opportunities to learn technology and develop practical skills from a young age, Stuart transformed the former school into Warlingham Park School.

Initially opening with just three pupils, under his leadership, the school grew significantly, developing into a school with seven classes, a nursery and a pre-school. While the site itself was transformed through the addition of new classrooms and music rooms, the purchase of the surrounding field and the conversion of the former swimming pool into the Sexton Hall, providing a dedicated theatre space.

Following Stuart’s retirement in his eighties, he handed over the leadership of the school to his son, Charles Sexton, continuing the family’s commitment. In 2019, Warlingham Park School became part of the Independent Learning Group (ILG), marking another important chapter in the school’s story. ILG has continued to build on the foundations established by the Sexton family, investing in the school’s facilities and development while maintaining its strong sense of community and commitment to providing an excellent education. Today, Warlingham Park School continues the educational tradition that began on the site in 1834, while looking confidently towards the future.