title: Hemdean House School
text: # Hemdean House School
  
  Hemdean House School is a mixed, independent, primary and nursery school for children aged 3–11. It is situated in the centre of Caversham in Reading, Berkshire, England.
  
  Hemdean House School was founded in 1859 by Francis Knighton. In 1862 land was bought for £320, the new building was named Hemdean House. The school operates as a non-profit UK registered charity
  
  The school used to have a girls senior school which was closed in 2016. The school was listed 29th in the Sunday Times list of 100 best performing independent schools in the UK.
  
  ## Notable alumni
  
  * Elsie Smith – nurse and missionary
  * Lizbeth Webb – soprano and actress
  