The Licensed Victuallers’ School in Slough (1922–1980s)
A concise history of one of Slough’s most distinctive educational institutions
The Licensed Victuallers’ School (LVS) arrived in Slough in 1922, marking the beginning of more than sixty years in the town. Founded originally in 1803 by the Society of Licensed Victuallers to educate the children of publicans and those connected with the licensed trade, the school had outgrown its London premises and sought a healthier, more spacious environment. Slough, then expanding rapidly but still semi‑rural, offered the ideal setting.
The school moved into a large site off Mackenzie Street, previously occupied by a hotel and later the British Orphan Asylum. The original building served the school for its first decade in Slough, but by the late 1930s it was no longer suitable. In 1938, the old structure was demolished and replaced with a purpose‑built school complex, designed to accommodate modern classrooms, boarding facilities, and recreational spaces. This new campus became a familiar landmark to generations of Slough residents.
Throughout the Second World War, the school remained open, adapting to wartime pressures while continuing its charitable mission. Post‑war expansion saw improvements to boarding houses, sports fields, and academic facilities. A 1969 internal history described the Slough campus as a blend of “old and new buildings” arranged around a prominent cedar tree near the entrance — a detail fondly remembered by many former pupils.
During its Slough years, the school maintained strong ties to the licensed trade. Admission was historically decided by subscriber ballot, and many pupils came from families facing hardship. The school offered a stable, structured education with a strong emphasis on discipline, music, sport, and practical skills. It became well known locally for its distinctive uniforms, marching band, and regular public events.
By the 1980s, the Slough site was no longer able to meet the school’s growing needs. The Licensed Trade Charity (formerly the Society of Licensed Victuallers) sought a larger, more modern campus. The decision was made to relocate, and the school moved to its current home in Ascot, where it continues today as LVS Ascot. The former Slough site was later redeveloped and is now occupied by a Tesco superstore and surrounding commercial units.
A much more detailed look at the school and its history can be found HERE
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Although the buildings have gone, the Licensed Victuallers’ School remains an important part of Slough’s educational and social history. For more than six decades it shaped the lives of thousands of children and stood as a distinctive institution within the town’s evolving landscape.
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