The Royal Liberty School is a state comprehensive secondary school for boys aged 11 to 16, located in Gidea Park in the London Borough of Havering.
It was once a traditional English grammar school, and also had a sixth form until 1992.
The school is situated on Upper Brentwood Road about 400 metres north of Gidea Park railway station, and approximately halfway between Gidea Park and Ardleigh Green to the north-east of Romford. It is in the parish of St. Michael & All Angels, Gidea Park.
The school's houses were previously known as Danes, Normans, Romans and Saxons. Then there was a period where they were known as Darwin, Newton, Rutherford and Salk. They are now known as Discovery, Challenger, Endeavour and Voyager to reflect the school's status as a Science College.
The school was founded in 1921 in the buildings at the grounds of Hare Hall and takes its name from the Royal Liberty of Havering.
The Royal Liberty was the first school in Europe to install an electronic computer (an Elliott 903, similar to the 920 military version) in 1965.
As a grammar school, it operated a squadron of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), incorporating basic, army, navy, and air cadets (including a training glider).
1974 – In accord with government policy, and in spite of manifest opposition, the school converts from a grammar to comprehensive school.
1988 – J. P. Coles, after 25 years of service through some of the school's best years, retired as head, with L. B. Thomas promoted from deputy head to headmaster.
1990 – The sixth form was twinned with the nearby Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls.
1992 – The sixth form was abolished.
1996 – School was placed into Ofsted special measures. L. B. Thomas left and S. Berwitz was appointed head.
2000 – School removed from special measures.
2001 – School cited by Ofsted as "one of the most improved schools in the UK".
2003 – Julia Deery appointed head.
2004 – Bid launched for specialist school status, hoping to attract additional government funds.
2006 – School wins bid and becomes a Science College.
2014 – Julia Deery leaves, with April Saunders becoming head.
Norman Baker, Lib Dem MP for Lewes from 1997 until 2015
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Andy Day, Children's TV Presenter for Cbeebies/Actor. Star of Andy's Wild Adventures
James Grant 1992 - 97 Artist management. Company director behind many high-profile events. Music director/composer and show producer.
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Doug Fisher, actor, Man about the house, London's Burning, The Bitch.
Mick Inkpen, author and illustrator of children's books
Sir Alex Jarratt CB, Chancellor from 1983-2002 of the University of Birmingham and President from 1979-83 of the Advertising Association
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Arthur Latham, Labour MP from 1969-74 for Paddington North and from 1974-9 for Paddington
Sir Timothy O'Shea, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh
Jeff Randall, journalist and Business Editor of the BBC from 2001-5
Prof John Saville, historian, Professor of Economic and Social History from 1972-82 at the University of Hull
Peter Stebbings, BBC Presenter and Producer
Michael Ward, Labour MP for Peterborough from 1974-9
Michael J Merry, (author) The Golden Altar 2003, The Reluctant Colonel 2009, The Education of Santiago O'Grady 2013, Guten Tag, Mr. Churchill 2015. 1951/56
Peter White, Political Activist and noted vocal republican
Tom Agombar, (Musician) Endorsed artist of Flynn Drums and Drummer of London-based Hardcore band, Pressures
James Brittle, (architectural carpenter) Parkrose, Albert and Victoria Museum.
Dr David Scurry, Dean of Undergraduate Programmes, Oxford Brookes University. 1989-2008.
Prof Ged Martin, Historian, Emeritus Professor of the University of Edinburgh
Prof Peter Grubb, Emeritus Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Investigative Plant Ecology, Cambridge University
