History

Adams ' Grammar School was founded by William Adams, a merchant Haberdasher with family connections in the area. William Adams established his school in Newport , Shropshire in 1656 during the Interregnum, with permission from Oliver Cromwell, and appointed the Master and Wardens of the Haberdashers' Company as Governors. He left money and estates to the Company to support the school. At the Restoration, an Act of Parliament confirmed the terms of the school's foundation. To this day the School is known regionally and nationally for its high academic standards.

During the twentieth Century, the School saw a period of expansion with many additional teaching facilities added, including a large teaching block; gymnasium; science laboratories; design technology centre, mathematics and information technology building and a modern languages laboratory. In 1993 day girls were admitted to the Sixth Form. In 1996, the school gained Technology College Status and was equipped with outstanding, networked computer facilities enabling information technology to be used across all curriculum areas. Expansion has continued into the start of the 21st Century with the construction of the new Sports Hall, thanks to the generosity of many who donated to a major fundraising appeal, and the conversion of the former gymnasium into a fine Performing Arts Centre. Most recently a significant new science block has opened, housing eight state of the art laboratories and also a Design Technology lab.  As well as having Technology College status Adams' Grammar School is also a Language College and a Training College.

The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers

Members of the Company, or Fraternity, were originally Haberdashers by trade, selling ribbons, beads, purses, gloves, pins, caps and toys. 

Like other Companies, as the Haberdashers became more successful, they collected the status symbols appropriate to the times. The present Coat of Arms dates from 1503 and the current Charter by which the Company is governed today was granted by Elizabeth I in 1578.

By the middle of the 17th century however the emphasis changed when control of the trade was lost. The charitable funds, hitherto operated by the early fraternity as a 'safety net' for members, multiplied and educational establishments became the Company's main raison d'être. The original foundations and almshouses provided by a number of wealthy, but mostly childless, Haberdashers at that time, continue to the present day, together with numerous other minor charities of which the Company is Trustee. 

The Company takes great interest and pride in all the schools of which it is Trustee ensuring that the revenues accruing are spent wisely and that building projects give good value for money. Most of the Governors and the Heads are appointed by the Company, but not members of staff. The Company does not interfere in the daily running of the schools which is the proper concern of the respective Head under the direction of the Board of Governors. All the schools encourage the full development of the individual, and help the pupils to get the most out of both work and leisure time. The schools are also concerned to promote a broad tolerance of different viewpoints and consideration for others, within the context of a Christian heritage. From their foundation by four, childless, Puritan Haberdashers, who sought to enlighten future generations, the schools have developed and, today, over 6,000 pupils in eight very different schools are offered the best education available.

Please click here to visit the website of The Haberdashers' Company