Our History
Benton Park has been a place of learning for nearly two centuries. In 1838, Joseph Riley established a boys’ boarding school at Benton Park House on the hill above Rawdon. The estate later returned to private residence before reverting to educational use in the 1950s, when the old house served as the senior department for Rawdon Littlemoor School.
To meet growing post‑war demand, the house was demolished in 1957 and a new, purpose‑built secondary school rose on the site. The first pupils arrived in September 1960, and Benton Park School was formally opened in March 1961, symbolising the optimism of the era. Conceived as a modern, forward‑looking campus, the original design set the tone for a school committed to ambition, inclusion, and community.
During the late 1990s and 2000s, Benton Park gained national recognition, including Beacon School status and specialist Technology College designation. Continued investment followed: construction of a new building began in 2020, students moved into a state‑of‑the‑art three‑storey school in November 2021, and the legacy blocks were removed to create enhanced outdoor facilities, including a community 3G pitch.
On 1 August 2025, Benton Park became part of Moorlands Learning Trust, opening a new chapter of collaboration while retaining our identity and values. Today, as a thriving 11–18 school and Sixth Form, we remain proud of our past and focused on a future where together we belong, develop character and achieve excellence.
At‑a‑glance Timeline
1838 – Boys’ boarding school opens at Benton Park House.
1840s–1860s – Estate becomes a private home; the surrounding grounds continue to host community life.
1951–1957 – Site used as the senior department for Rawdon Littlemoor School.
1957 – Original house demolished to prepare for a modern secondary school.
1960–1961 – First pupils admitted (September 1960); official opening (March 1961).
Late 1990s–2000s – National recognition, including Beacon School status and Technology College designation.
2020–2022 – Major renewal: new building opens (November 2021); legacy blocks removed and facilities upgraded, including a community 3G pitch.
2025 – Benton Park joins Moorlands Learning Trust.
Notable Alumni
Benton Park alumni have contributed widely across public life, culture, sport, and the media:
- Rt Hon David Miliband – Former UK Foreign Secretary and MP; international non‑profit leader.
- Billy Pearce – Award‑winning comedian and stage performer.
- Anna Blyth – Great Britain track cyclist and former British champion.
- Oliver Wainwright – Architecture and design critic.
- Joe Tasker – Television presenter and content creator.
- George Webster – CBeebies presenter and inclusion advocate.
