Our SCHOOL'S History

West Hampstead Primary School (WHPS), is housed in a beautiful Victorian three-storey (listed) building. Formerly called Beckford Primary School, it changed its name in September 2021.

Following a vote involving staff and the local community, Beckford Primary School was officially rebranded as West Hampstead Primary School. The school in Dornfell Street had been named after former London mayor William Beckford, whose wealth came from the slave trade.

^{Camden New Journal, Thursday 23rd September 2021}

Originally called Broomsleigh Street School, as it had an entrance on Broomsleigh Street, it was later renamed Beckford Primary in 1929. Broomsleigh Street School opened in 1886 but in March 1929 the London County Council agreed to change the name.

The school recently unveiled a mural commemorating the life of our former headteacher Dr Beryl Gilroy. Dr Gilroy was the first Black woman to serve as a headteacher in Camden, where she paved the way for people of colour in education.

The film can be viewed if you click the link here.

 

BBC News, Monday 1st July 2022