Transforming lives for 125 years

Our story

St Piers today

Learning is much more than the classroom. It is a nurturing journey of discovery in which students grow, find their independence, and thrive, now and in the future. St Piers is an innovative and creative school and college for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We believe nothing should stand in the way of a full education, personal development or physical and emotional wellbeing.

To start our story, we need to take you back to 1896

That’s when the Rev. J.F.B. Tinling hears about a community in Germany helping people with epilepsy leading fulfilling, working lives. Inspired, he forms the Christian Union for Social Service (CUSS) – initially to support people with a physical or mental disability to find work.

Early years

1897 St Piers opens. The Union buys St Piers Farm (on the edge of Lingfield, Surrey), which opens in March 1897. Six months later, 25 trainees arrive – the first in a long line of people whose lives will be changed forever at St Piers.

War years

1914 to 1920 The war effort St Piers works with the Red Cross to care for soldiers returning from WWI with epilepsy and shell shock.

Building momentum

1946 Advocacy wins. A St Piers doctor successfully lobbies for epilepsy to be included in the Disabled Persons Act.

Innovation and awareness

1987 An unforgettable visit. HRH The Princess of Wales visits. The tour gives staff a motivational lift, but it’s the helicopter that steals the show for the children.

Breakthroughs

2001 One voice We launch The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy (NCYPE) – uniting our research, healthcare, education, awareness and advocacy work. Ten years later, we become Young Epilepsy. Three cheers for St Piers A new name! We officially become St Piers School & College.