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New Beginnings at Swallows – King Henry VIII Pre-Prep
On Thursday 5 September, we welcomed our first pupils at King Henry VIII Pre-Prep, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our historic building The Swallows.
Thanks to the efforts of our wonderful staff, the building has been updated and redesigned to create a purpose-built space where children in Nursery, Reception and Year 1 can thrive and be happy.
The children have quickly settled in and are thoroughly enjoying their new learning environment.
Swallows is not just a place for learning – it’s a building rich in history. This early Georgian structure has stood on the site since 1720, according to The Coventry Society, the building predates those in Leamington Spa, making it one of the oldest buildings in the area and a unique landmark in Coventry.
Before becoming home to Coventry Preparatory School, the building was known as Styvechale Villa and was occupied by Ernest Instone between 1907 and 1920. Instone, was the General Manager of Daimler Cars in Coventry, who established the company as a luxury car manufacturer, he was also a founding member of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
In 1920, after Instone’s move to London, Rev. Kenelm Swallow MC, a decorated WWI war hero, took over the building and founded Coventry Preparatory School. During World War II, the school was a safe haven for children fleeing Nazi Germany.
Throughout its long history, the building has been home to various educational leaders, including Rev. K. Swallow MC, John Sykes, and John Phipps, who were all former headmasters at the Coventry Preparatory School.
We are excited about the future and our plans to further expand the site. Here’s to the next chapter in the history of The Swallows!