I finally got to see the fine Victorian building for myself that was purpose built for Wilson’s School in 1883. The school that was in the old building in Camberwell, pictured above, finally moved to new premises in Wallington in 1975.
Wilson’s School is a high ranking and multi award winning grammer school and is The Times and Sunday Times Secondary School of the Year 2024.
The school was set up by Edward Wilson way back in 1615 and was originally based by Camberwell Green.
Edward’s nephew, Peter Danson, was made governor of the first school. He also happened to be vicar at All Saints.
Perhaps the Carshalton connection is what made the school choose nearby Wallington almost 400 years later. Though it’s probably due to the fact the London Borough of Sutton was still allowing 11+ schools – something Camberwell was phasing out.
These pics show details of the old building. It is currently home to UAL’s renowned Camberwell School of Art. Wilson’s coat of arms is above the main entrance, with various heraldic detailing elsewhere.
The address is 1 Wilson Rd, London SE5 8LU
