The school was founded in reaction to the decline of Anglican church music in the Victorian period. Ouseley sited it in a remote location so as to insulate it from the influence of London. Designed by renowned English Church architect Henry Woodyer, until its closure the school regularly sang 150 settings of evensong; it was the last educational establishment in England to sing the orders throughout the week. In the school chapel the choir is separated from the chancel by an ornate gilded screen topped by candles. The choir is backed by a 'Father' Willis organ, painted with a representation of St Michael defeating the dragon. <br>After closure the school buildings were used as the set for the 1986 Halloween television movie, "The Worst Witch" based on the fantasy novel by Jill Murphy starring Fairuza Balk and Tim Curry.