This week, the English College in Prague celebrated its 25th anniversary in spectacular style. It has bought its building from its landlord, Prague 9 Council, thus securing its continued future in Vysočany. The ceremony took place in Prague 9 Town Hall with the Mayor, Ing Jan Jarolím, shown centre with ECP’s Founder Governor, Ann Lewis CMG. The photograph also shows ECP Headmaster, Dr Nigel Brown (3rd left), and ECP’s first alumnus Governor, Petr Fiman BSc, MSc (back row, 4th right).
Founder Governor
Ann Lewis said: ‘As one of the Founders of The English College I was present when the original lease was signed in September 1993.
In those days Vysočany was a dilapidated industrial suburb. It has been transformed over the years and now we are delighted to be at the heart of a vibrant modern community. Our building, which contrives to be both spacious and intimate, has been much loved by generations of English College students and staff.
We are glad that we now have a secure home alongside the Town Hall. Over the coming years, we look forward to enhancing the premises further. We are grateful to the Mayor and his colleagues who have shown us friendship and courtesy, and look forward to remaining good neighbours.’
The ECP’s imposing sandstone coloured building is well known in Vysočany. It stands just behind the metro station and next to the Town Hall and Galerie Fénix shopping centre.
Early Days in Vysočany
The ECP first opened its iconic blue doors on 4 September 1994. At that time, it had signed a ten year lease, which was extended until 2024.
There were originally 117 students. Now, 25 years and 1350 ECP graduates later, 370 mainly Czech current students are all studying for the International Baccalaureate. They will be applying to top universities around the world including Oxford and Cambridge.
But even back in those early days, the Governors were saving hard for the day when purchase of the building could happen. Now that day has finally arrived. Consequently, everyone is excited at the prospect of planning improvements to provide an even better teaching environment for its students.
