St Andrew’s is set within three adjoining Victorian townhouses at the heart of Rochester.

These characterful buildings have a long and varied history and were once home to prominent local families including physicians, surgeons, naval officers, and solicitors. Key figures who played an active role in the professional and civic life of Rochester. 

Over time, the houses reflect the changing story of the community around them, before eventually being brought into educational use in the mid-20th century. 

Today, they provide a distinctive setting for learning, where heritage and history sit alongside the energy of school life. The sense of legacy remains in the fabric of the buildings, now reimagined as a place where children are encouraged to grow, aspire and shape their own futures. 

St Andrew’s School was founded in 1951 under the ownership of Commander Henry Starkie, marking the beginning of its long-standing reputation for providing a strong, values-led education. In 1999, the school became part of Education Development Trust, a leading educational charity dedicated to improving education for the common good. 

The founding principles remain clear and enduring: to provide an accessible education grounded in the “three Rs” of reading, writing, and arithmetic, alongside traditional values of courtesy, good manners, and respect for others. 

While society has continued to evolve, St Andrew’s has retained these core principles, combining them with a forward-looking approach that prepares children for an ever-changing world. 

In 2026, the school proudly celebrates 75 years of St Andrew’s.