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Beechurst was once a private residence, being built in 1901 by Charles Morbey who dwelt there with his family until 1920. In 1925 it was purchased at a cost of £4,100 to replace the old Grammar School in Churchgate Street. It was adapted and equipped at a further cost of £3,600 for School purposes. In the early stages as a School it provided 6 classrooms, an assembly hall, a laboratory and cloak room with accommodation for the Headmaster and 12-13 boarders. In the grounds were a botanical laboratory and a manual workshop but there was not a gymnasium or art room. The teaching capacity was sufficient for up to 160 boys. In 1945 The Moat House, nearby, was acquired for the School, this was once also the home of the Morbey family. After acquiring The Moat House the Headmaster and his boarding pupils moved there. The grounds to the Moat House were bought in 1930 for Sports Fields for the School. In 1957 the Assembly Hall and laboratories, amongst other buildings were added on the Grounds of the Moat House. These new buildings were known as Soham Village College which was separate from Beechurst ( Grammar School ) In 1972 the Grammar School and Soham Village College were amalgamated becoming what is known today as The Village College Soham, with Beechurst retaining its name, and The Old Village College being known as Lodeside.

   

   

                     You might like to visit the excellent Soham Grammarians Website to learn more.