In 1889 the Reverend J. C. Alcock bought the school, which at this time catered for 11- to 18-year-old boys.

In 1897, Julia Chafyn Grove of Zeals House near Mere in Wiltshire died.

It was decided to use this money to buy Mr Alcock’s school, which was then converted into a charitable trust, and the buildings greatly enlarged.

Two former deputy headmasters have served as Chairman of the Independent Association of Prep Schools: Andy Falconer in 2010/11 and Eddy Newton in 2013/14.

Chafyn Grove School is on the northeastern edge of Salisbury within 12 acres (4.9 ha) of land.